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Heavyweight Tom Dallas back after 18 months out of action as part of boxing show in Maidstone

00:00, 28 October 2016

It’s a new beginning for heavyweight boxer Tom Dallas.

He has a new trainer, a new regime and a new appetite and he’s topping the bill at this weekend’s show at the Maidstone Leisure Centre.

Dallas last fought in front of over 20,000 fans at Madison Square Garden for the WBO NABO heavyweight title back in April 2015.

Heavyweight boxer Tom Dallas Picture: Barry Goodwin
Heavyweight boxer Tom Dallas Picture: Barry Goodwin

A first round TKO defeat to Charles Martin looked like it could have been Dallas’ last.

Since then he has moved gyms and had corrective surgery on a problematic elbow injury, leaving him in top shape mentally and physically ahead of a low-key return tomorrow (Saturday) night.

Dallas (17-5) said: “If I’m honest, I was getting bored by it. I was doing the same old thing and after the operation, it was taking an age to heal. I did start to lose interest and think I might not be fighting again.

“Since then I have got a new trainer and the buzz is back. I’m enjoying it.”

Former trainer Andy Kidd has moved aside to train the youngsters and Dallas is now with Sheppey-based trainer Ray Askew.

Dallas said: “Andy was great and he will always be involved in boxing and there wasn’t a lot that Ray wanted to change but he has tweaked a few things here and there.

“I hope it all goes well on Saturday. I feel good, I don’t have any pain in my elbow now and can’t wait.”

Dallas has already offered his services to either Anthony Joshua or David Price, after they agreed to meet inside the ring.

He said: “I have sparred them both before and am fit and ready if called upon.”

Maidstone's Chris Matthews (4-0) faces Roland Farago (3-1) while Kent fighters Martin Hillman (7-2), Louis Greene (4-0), Oli Edwards (3-0), Charlie Shane (2-0), debutant Owen Stone and Elvis Makoda (2-1-2) are also on the bill.

Tickets are available on the door, priced £35 or £55 ringside. Doors open at 5.30pm.

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