LYNKEN Dickson has got up off the mat to win and then defend his NSW belt in the space of two weeks after a white tail spider bite threatened to end his career just as it was beginning.
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Dickson and coach Mike Abra made the trip to South Newcastle Leagues Club for a pro-am fighting for the NSW Welterweight title and taking the four-round bout in a unanimous decision.
“He was incredible,” Abra said.
“He is also a super smart boxer with power in both hands.
“We were challenged for the title straight away and went to Bathurst to defend it the next weekend.”
Dickson again took the points in a four-round unanimous decision against a very skilled opponent.
“He was never in trouble at any time,” Abra said.
“He is carrying a bit of an elbow injury but we thought we would go for the fights while they were there and now give him a break.”
The pair have their sights set on the national titles in December, another defence of his state title, as well as a trip to the US to expose him to different fighters as well as increase his own exposure.
Abra believes that the local product has what it takes to be the best, if he bides his time.
“He is the full package,” Abra said.
“The world junior belt he won in 2012 is just the start.
“I have no doubt that he can go on to win world titles and be one of Australia’s best.”
Dickson has been a stand-out both in the ring and on the rugby league field while he was at Peel High although, after dropping the ball for the gloves last season, the young fighter’s career was on the up until he picked up a load of poly pipe at work that had the spider in it.
He was bitten on the palm and spent three days in hospital having the wound flushed, only just avoiding losing feeling and movement to his fingers.
“He was a very sick boy who was lucky to come out all good,” Abra said.
Abra has coached and seen the best and believes that Dickson is the real deal now that he has shaken the bite and stepped back in the ring so confidently for two wins.
“He is 19 now and will probably turn pro when he is 22 or 23.
“That is the right age to go pro –at full maturity.”
In the meantime, Dickson is going to have a six-week break before Abra begins the next step in their fight to the top of the game.
“He has the best feet in the ring and the brain to go with it,” Abra said.
“He is a big talent and a committed trainer.”
“He could be anything.”
