Adrian Dodson believes winning Prizefighter can propel him back into the big time - even at the age of 41.
Former world title challenger ready to end his exile
Adrian Dodson believes Prizefighter can launch him back into big-time boxing.
The 41-year-old has not boxed since 2003 after calling a halt to a career that saw him retire former world champion Lloyd Honeyghan and challenge Winky Wright for the WBO light-middleweight belt.
He will make his ring return in a four-rounder this weekend before taking his place in the Super-Middleweights II at Liverpool's Olympia, the 17th edition of Matchroom Sport's eight-man tournament, live on
Sky Sports.
And while all eyes will be on Robin Reid, Dodson believes he can overshadow his fellow Olympian - the pair boxed at the 1992 Games in Barcelona, where Dodson represent Guyana - and pocket the £32,000 prize in the process.
"I really believe that winning Prizefighter could get me back up to world-title contention- that's what I am here for," said Dodson.
"The current crop of super-middleweights in Britain is exciting but I still feel that I can mix it with the best."
Dodson has been concentrating on his family during his time away from the sport, but still feels he has something to offer.
Both he and Reid will be conceding age to their younger Prizefighter foes, but the Islington man believes that over the three-round format, experience will count.
"I feel that I underachieved from the standard I set and this is a very good platform for me to get back into the big picture," he said.
"Experience will be vital in this tournament because there are a lot of talented young guns who are hungry to impress and trying to add my name to their records and I'll be trying to remind them just who I am."
Dodson and Reid are joined in the line-up by an ambitious crop of twenty-somethings including Liverpool duo Carl Dilks and former British champion Tony Quigley, unbeaten Welsh prospect Tobias Webb, Sheffield pair Wayne Reed and Patrick J. Maxwell and Leicester hitter Jahmaine Smyle.
Tickets for Prizefighter Super Middleweights II at Liverpool Olympia on Wednesday 23 March are available from Matchroom Sport priced £30 unreserved, £50 ringside and £100 VIP. To buy call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.
