Cheema back in gym and set for a return

Dylan Cheema…Coventry lightweight with a big following. Pic: Jack Perry

AFTER more than a year out, Dylan Cheema is back in the gym and looking to fight again in a couple of months.

Away from the ring, it’s been an eventful time for the fighter who has a large Sikh following. He got married, for starters.

The Coventry lightweight, who last boxed in December, 2023, is now again fully focused on the sport and looking to climb the rankings.

It’s good to have Cheema up and running because of the colour and excitement he brings to shows. The ring walks, which include drummers and banners, are theatrical, his style is all action.

But it’s fair to say things haven’t gone to plan for the 28-year-old. He seemed set for a dazzling future after winning the major Boxxer knockout tournament in April, 2022 – a last-man-standing competition that earned him a major cash prize, dream promotional contract and slots on big televised shows.

A star appeared to be born on that memorable night as Cheema, a two fight novice and huge underdog, emerged victorious.

He’s struggled to recapture the form shown on that glorious night. Quality journeyman Jordan Ellison gained a close points decision over Cheema in November, 2022, and last time out tough Nicaraguan Robin Zamora beat him in a six rounder.

He has talent, blistering hand speed and bravery.

But I always felt the Boxxer tournament success was a double-edged sword for Cheema, back then fighter still wearing L Plates. Expectation was heaped on his shoulders, he was showcased on TV bills, yet may have benefitted more from quietly learning his trade on the small hall circuit.

That memorable win hurried the apprenticeship, I felt.

The point is not lost on Cheema’s veteran manager PJ Rowson. He said: “I like my fighters to get to around the 10 fight mark and then be tested for an area title.

“Dylan had two fights and went into the prize-fighter type tournament as an outsider. He won and was then expected to jump up to the level where you want your fighter to be after 10 fights.”

There is now less pressure on 11-bout Cheema.

“He’s had those losses,” PJ said. “I think his mind was elsewhere – getting married, the honeymoon…

“It’s now a question of getting him back in, getting that movement back and get everything going in the right direction. After two fights, we’ll have a plan. Get him a six rounder and see where we go from there.”