Dacres is in hurry to fight for British title
Dacres’ left finds Thompson. Picture: Matchroom/Mark Robinson
HEAVYWEIGHT hope Solomon Dacres doesn’t want a British title fight soon – he wants it next.
And the English titleholder edged closer to that ambition on Saturday night with wide points victory over tough South African southpaw Chris Thompson.
On Matchroom’s “Nxt Gen” show at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena, Dacres romped home by scores of 99-91 (twice) and 98-92. The Warley 29-year-old was made to work for his seventh straight win.
At the pre-fight press conference, Eddie Hearn described Dacres – a decorated, Team GB amateur – as the division’s sleeping giant.
It’s a fair description. Trained by Max McCracken, the 6ft 5ins fighter looks the pick of the young guns that have set Britain’s heavyweight scene on fire.
And in front of the press, he oozes the composure of a champion. He’s articulate and honest, an interviewer’s dream.
I was impressed by the way he handled the media scrum at last Thursday’s pre-fight conference. “He’s an intelligent lad,” Max, looking on, told me, “been to grammar school.”
“I want the British title, to be honest,” Solomon told me today. “I know Fabio Wardley is defending against David Adeyle and I want the winner.”
Dacres is making rapid strides in the professional ranks. In his sixth fight, he stopped Robert Ismay for the English belt and is now itching for bigger things.
On Saturday, Thompson, who has won 12 of 18 (one draw), provided the prospect with a perfect learning fight.
“He was tough,” Dacres admitted. “Ambitious, a little bit tricky, took some good shots and knew how to hold on.
“I’m never completely happy with my performances, I always feel I can do better, but there were a few good boxes ticked on Saturday night. I got 10 good rounds in against a southpaw.”
Dacres admits to being a little frustrated over the fact many armchair fans are unaware of the talent he brings to the table.
He added: “I was doing 10 rounders in my fifth fight and there are some people doing eight rounders who are getting more publicity and possibly more money.
“But boxing’s a career. It’s about what you’ve achieved at the finish, not what you achieve at the beginning.”
He hammered home the message on social media, posting: “Don't be fooled because I make it look easy. We're bringing the sweet science back to the heavyweight division. It's hit and don't get hit. They might not appreciate it now, but they will eventually.”
Make no mistake. The sleeping giant is awakening.
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