Clift: I’m hungry and in a hurry for titles

Dylan Clift…scored second pro win at Eastside Rooms

DYLAN Clift is a young fighter not lacking in self-belief.

“I want at least an area title by next year, minimum,” the Acocks Green boxer told me. “English, British and world titles in the future.”

That’s a very bold statement from a 21-year-old welter who had his second bout on manager Anthony Manning’s Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, show on Saturday.

Clift, a personal trainer by day, outscored Nottinghamshire’s well travelled veteran Fonz Alexander over the four round apprentice distance.

Fonz, having his 172nd bout (nine wins, one draw), shared a session – probably the last, but took a tumble to the canvas in the same round. Referee Ryan Churchill scored 40-37.

“It was a very good fight,” said Clift. “I had a niggle in my shoulder for this camp and did 15 rounds sparring max. I kept it straight and boxed.

“He was four pounds heavier, fights most weeks and knows how to survive. But I caught him with some good shots and he said afterwards I was one of the hardest punchers he’s faced.

“The power is there and, hopefully, you’ll see it in the next couple of fights.”

Clift, trained by dad Chris and Gary Turner, turned over after a 40 bout amateur career with Acocks Green ABC.

He knocked on the door at national level, but failed to gain a major title.

“My style was always more suited to the pro game,” he explained, “and I love the pro game – the fitness, the training, the hard work and discipline.

“I want to go as far as possible. At 21, I have a lot to learn, but a lot of time to learn it in and be where I want to be.”

Clift has a sizeable following and shifted between 80 and 100 tickets for Saturday’s outing.

“The numbers were down on my debut,” he admitted, “but there were a lot more newcomers and I like to see new faces.”