Body shots wreck Vicky’s title dreams

Vicky Wilkinson…tasted defeat for first time at Echo Arena

VICKY Wilkinson’s bid to take the vacant Commonwealth lightweight title ended in stoppage defeat.

At Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday night, the Wombourne 39-year-old found unbeaten local hope Rhiannon Dixon too much of a handful.

Vicky, who, by day, works for the recruitment arm of the army, was twice dropped by body shots in the sixth before referee Ron Kearney called a halt.

That was Wilkinson’s first loss in seven, while 27-year-old Dixon is now 8-0.

Dixon, a pharmacist by day, showed she can wallop.

Former world champ Anthony Crolla, who was in Dixon’s corner, told local paper the Warrington Guardian: “I was super proud of the body shots. I'd have been happy with them myself.

"From early on in the fight I knew there was a reaction when Rhiannon landed punches downstairs.

"Rhiannon hits very hard. Anyone who gets hit in fights with Rhiannon all know, there's been a reaction in every one of them because she hits very hard.

"She's my first champion as a trainer so I'm super proud of her.”

Crestfallen Vicky will no doubt be buoyed by the messages of support on her social media pages.

One states: “To be a great boxer like Muhammad Ali, you have to experience the lows.

You will want it more next time and we are right behind you.”