Clift stepping-up for shot at first pro title

Dylan Clift…facing his toughest opponent in bid to take international belt

UNBEATEN Acocks Green welter Dylan Clift has his first professional title fight.

The popular 23-year-old will face Sajid Abid on manager Anthony Manning’s December 12 Birmingham Conference and Events Centre bill, with the Commonwealth international belt at stake.

It could be an early Christmas present for Clift, but be warned – Derby’s Abid represents a significant step-up for the 7-0 prospect.

I watched 32-year-old Abid lose in five to Tommy Collins for the Midlands title down at light-welter. While it lasted, the bout was a wild, exciting affair with both landing heavy blows. He may be a more robust package at welter.

Abid, who has lost three of 19, two by stoppage, ain’t a bad fighter. This eight rounder will tell us exactly what Clift, aggressive and fast, has in the locker. To date, he’s not put a foot wrong – this, however, is his first real test.

In fairness, Dylan and trainers dad Chris and Gary Turner, have called for a step-up for some time. He was nominated by the Board to face Oscar McCracken, but dates on TV shows prevented McCracken from taking the bout.

Now he’s gone down a different title route.

Manager Manning said: “Dylan requested to step-up and the time is right. There are not that many at Midlands level who want to take a fight with him.

“We are trying to navigate his way through the rankings. He and his team believe he’s ready, I’m happy to carry out their requirements. My job is to bring fighters through four rounds, six rounds and 10 round. When they get to 10 rounds they get the opportunities in championship fights.

“I think Dylan has the potential to be an English champion if not a British champion. I’ve seen Sajid box – I think he’s like Dylan, no one wants to fight him at Midlands level. His training team believe he has the beating of Dyan. It should be a great fight.”

Poster for the battle on Anthony Manning’s December show

Trainer Turner is aware of the threat Abid poses – and is not allowing losses on Sajid’s record to lull his team into a false sense of security.

“He’s done the 10 rounds, he’s fought for a belt before and he’s a lot more experienced,” Gary said. “One hundred per cent it’s a step-up, but Dylan’s last couple of performances (six round and four round points wins over boxers with losing records), he just couldn’t get ‘up’ as much for them. It’s time to see the best of Dylan.

“With Dylan, he’s a confidence fighter. If he’s confident, he can get to British level, I believe. We see it in the gym, we see it in sparring, we need to see it in the ring.

“We don’t underestimate anyone, but I do believe Dylan is a bigger puncher than the ones that have hurt Abid. With Abid coming forward trying to win the fight, that may well play into Dylan’s hands.”