Clift: 2024 was good, 2025 will be amazing
Dylan Clift…”I’m in this game for a reason”
IT’S been a satisfying and successful first professional year for Dylan Clift – capped by his inclusion on the “Midlands prospect of the year” shortlist for the Board of Control annual awards.
We learned one thing for sure about the Acocks Green super-lightweight after three one-sided wins – he sells an awful lot of tickets.
Time will tell if Dylan has the credentials to take the major honours he believes are waiting.
“I see no other way my career will close than with British and world titles,” he said. That’s a very bold prediction.
He was to have rounded off 2024 with a contest on manager Anthony Manning’s big title show at Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, this Sunday, but a hand injury has scuppered the scrap.
In truth, this year has been about learning the pro ropes and gathering confidence against men with losing record over the apprentice four round distance.
Dylan’s confidence will have also been boosted by his prospect of the year nomination for February’s Midlands awards ceremony.
“The year has gone amazing,” he said, “I couldn’t have asked for a better year. To be nominated is fantastic – to be up there with fighters who have been on TV, been with the GB squad and won major titles.
“I didn’t have a major amateur pedigree – I won Midlands titles, but didn’t get any big national titles. Now I’m on a shortlist with people like Hamza Uddin and Zach Evans.”
Next year is shaping up to be a big year both in and out of the ring. Dylan, trained by Gary Turner and dad Christopher, wants to fight for a Midlands title and stake his claim for a slot on a TV boxing bill.
Away from the sport, the 22-year-old is due to become a dad for the first time in February.
“In the new year I’m going to steam ahead,” he said. “This year, I’ve proved to Birmingham I’m here for a reason. Next year I want to show it to a wider audience.
“In every contest I’ve been a different fighter than I was the last time out. That’s because if you fight one way you become easy to read. I want to show that I’m not just one boxer.
“In the amateurs I was told by a lot of pro coaches I had a natural pro style. My first (pro) fight was against a tough lad from Poland and I realised I was made for the pro game, I realised my style was perfect for it.
“I want a Midlands title fight next year, I want that break so I can get on those TV shows.
“Not fighting on Sunday is disappointing, but everything happens for a reason. I’m 22, I’ve had a good year and there’s still a lot to go for. Next year I’ll be ready.”
And, according to Dylan, ready for very big things.