Whitehawk’s Harvey Dykes is hoping victory over Dorin Krasmaru at the historic York Hall in Bethnal Green on Saturday night will earn him his first shot at a professional heavyweight title.
The popular 29-year-old excelled in the unpaid ranks, winning the same title once held by Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury to become Brighton’s first National Amateur Heavyweight Champion since Scott Welch in 1992.
An impressive performance against the London based Ukrainian live on talkSPORT this weekend may land him the opportunity to now also begin capturing belts in the paid ranks, with the Southern Area Title currently vacant and up for grabs.
Dykes said: “That’s my first target. It’s the traditional route before moving onto English and British Titles,.
“I think I am at that level now after my six pro wins.
“A good win on Saturday will really put me in the title picture as Krasmaru is a good fighter. It would really be the start of everything I have been working for.”
Dykes has certainly been putting in the hours. In addition to running his own waste clearance business, he has been travelling to London five days a week to work under respected trainer Don Charles, who guided Daniel Dubois to a world title.
“I’m spending a fortune in fuel!” he joked. “But it has to be done. I wanted to be in the shape of my life for this fight, so I have been running in Brighton every day and then going up to London to Don’s gym.
“Don has really gotten behind me for this fight, it means a lot to know he has so much confidence in me. We have had some great sparring as well. I have got in loads of rounds with Jordan Thompson who is a really good fighter – he has fought for a world title before and only ever lost to Jai Opetaia (world cruiserweight champion).”
It isn’t just Thompson’s championship credentials that make him the ideal sparring partner. At 6ft 6ins, he is the same height as this weekend’s opponent and carries similar power.
“Krasmaru is a big fighter and can punch,” added Dykes. “But I am ready for everything he has got. Working with Jordan has helped to make sure of that.”
Dykes, who is sponsored by Sussex Building Company and Traact Nutrition, is always remarkably well supported.
He was the biggest ticket seller on both televised Harlem Eubank bills at the Brighton Centre recently. His followers haven’t been deterred by a trip to the Capital.
Dykes said: “We are taking several coachloads up so it is going to be packed in there. The York Hall always has a good atmosphere – people can get close to the ring, and you have the balcony right above. My lot are noisy as well. It is going to be electric; I can’t wait.”