Dylan ready to ‘roll the dice’ in big year

Dylan Clift…prepared to step down to super-lightweight in hunt for titles

DYLAN Clift, one of Birmingham’s brightest prospects, has, in his own words, “an itch that needs to be scratched”.

“That itch is titles,” the Acocks Green welter explained. He wants one sooner rather than later: “Midlands, English, even Irish because of my background.

“If there’s an offer at welterweight, I’ll go for it. With a ‘day before’ weigh-in I could make super-lightweight. I can lose that extra weight, but it would have to make sense.”

The 23-year-old, unbeaten in five, was offered a February shot at the vacant Midlands title, with Tyler Rivers in the opposite corner. Those around him felt more experience was needed before jumping into 10 round class.

“I was ready to go for it,” Dylan explained, “but sat down with my team and they thought I should have a six rounder first. I completely agree, although it was a bit of a kick in the teeth.”

Instead, Clift will prepare for bigger things with an appearance on manager Anthony Manning’s March 14 show at Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.

After that, the L Plates are off.

Last year was a frustrating one for Clift, with only two fights and his bout in March will end a 10 month ring absence. He was scheduled to box in November, but the bill was cancelled.

“One thousand per cent it’s been frustrating,” he said. “That’s the way the cookie crumbles – things happen, things come up. I had it a lot in the amateurs, I really struggled to get fights.”

“And things happen for a reason. My daughter was a baby, it gave me more family time and I’m a big family man. Rather than being at the gym every day, it allowed me to become more of a dad, I’ve watched my daughter blossom and she’s given me something else to fight for. I’m not fighting for myself, I’m fighting for my family.”

Clift is fast, aggressive and has a good following. He’s yet to face a real test, however, and pledged that will change in 2026.

“I’m really looking forward to this year,” he said. “I’m looking for a six rounder in March and then wherever the opportunity is, I’ll grasp it with both hands.

“I know I’m ready, my team know I’m ready and I want to show it on big shows – get my name out there. I don’t just want to be looked on as a bright prospect in Birmingham, I want to be looked on as one of England and the UK’s biggest prospects.

“I turned pro just as I turned 21, I was a young man in a big man’s world. As I grow into the pro game more opportunities will come my way.”

“One thousand per cent I want to roll the dice.”

He’s right. 2026 is the year for the step to another level.