"The British is The One I’ve Always Wanted!" Liam Dillon Talks To ESBR Ahead of English Title Fight!
Updated: Nov 28, 2019
Returning after winning the Southern Area Title in May, Liam Dillon moves up a level on Saturday night, fighting for the vacant English Super-Featherweight Title against fellow undefeated fighter Youssef Khoumari.
With a combined record of 19-0, this is a genuine 50-50 fight between two young fighters who have both had different tastes of spotlight in the sport.
PHOTO BY SIMON DOWNING www.digitalsportsphoto.com
“It’s just such a great show to be involved in. The idea of there being 4 main events at York Hall instead of one is brilliant and I’d be going to the show as a fan if I wasn’t involved myself. This has definitely been an easy one to sell tickets for!”
Saturday’s show promoted by Goodwin Boxing features two other English title fights and one Southern Area title fight in the Super-Bantanweight division.
Still only Twenty Three, Dillon chose to move up in level straight away whilst vacating his southern area title after suffering an unexpected level of inactivity. ‘It was just down to the opportunity that arose really. I would have liked to have defended my title and I was due to in May but unfortunately there was an error with my medical which has taken a bit of time to sort out”.
“I’m not used to being inactive so obviously it’s annoying but I can’t have any complaints about the situation and the precautions that have taken place, just glad to have it out the way now.”
“In regards to Saturday’s fight, the title became vacant and the fight itself was easy to make considering both Youssef and I are managed by Steve Goodwin.”
One of the things that makes Saturday’s fight interesting is the similarities between the two boxers. Both the same age and both having made their debuts within a couple of months of each other, the two were bound to meet at some point as long as they were to both continue winning which they both have done with relative ease.
“I’ve always had the feeling that the fight might happen one day due to the same weight, same age and things like that. We’ve had similar levels of activity and both won fights in style so I’d like to think that this has got all the makings of a great English title fight.”
Speaking on Khoumari, although reserved Dillon had nothing but praise for his fellow Londoner.
“We’ve only really given the standard head nod to each other at shows here and there and that’s about it to be honest with you! Come to think of it he did wish me luck before my title fight in March which I appreciated.”
With only Five stoppages out of Nineteen victories between the two of them, you couldn’t be blamed for thinking that this fight is likely to go the full distance which Dillon confirmed that he’s most likely expecting that outcome.
‘You can ask anyone at my gym, I’ve got one of the best gas tanks you’ll see. I’ve been sparring Fifteen rounds. I’m not a fighter who looks for a highlight knockout reel, I’m more of a fan of hit and not being hit’.
Finally, Dillon was asked to look past Saturday night all being well and admitted his aspirations to win the British title.
‘That’s the title that I’ve wanted since I was a kid. I’m not calling anyone out or shouting names down cameras but I’m going to be patient, if that opportunity comes soon than great but I’m not in a position where I have to rush anything.’
Liam Dillon & Youssef Khoumari fight for the vacant English Super-Featherweight Title on Saturday night as part of a stacked card of championship Boxing. Get your tickets here -