Title fights back on the agenda for Dylan

Cheema has his hands wrapped before facing Morris. Picture: BCB

IN the ring, things have gone full circle for Dylan Cheema.

At the age of 29 and following a two year break from the business, Cheema, from Coventry, is back where it all began  - on small halls, quietly developing his undoubted talent.

And things are again progressing nicely for the lightweight judging by his third round demolition of Josh Morris on BCB’s pre-Christmas show at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.

A rapid combination to head and body put the Wednesbury journeyman down for six at the start of the session, a body shot finished him at one minute 17 seconds.

“Dylan’s better than he was, he’s performing better, what more can you ask for?” said manager PJ Rowson.

To date, well-supported Cheema’s journey has been a curious one. From a kick-boxing background and with no amateur experience, he entered the lucrative, high-profile Boxxer tournament in 2022 after only two pro bouts.

In a huge upset, he not only won the event – reaping a major cash prize and major promotional deal, but dazzled.

Still a mere novice, Cheema was thrust in the spotlight and struggled to find the form that had earned him national headlines.

Losses to Jordan Ellison and Robin Zamora followed on major televised bills and in both I felt the fighter was too eager to please, too eager to fulfil the predictions of stardom and therefore too easy to hit. He looked like a man struggling with the pressure he’d put on himself.

This year the rebuilding process began and is gathering. In all, Dylan’s had 13 fights, winning 11.

Rowson admits: “He was elevated to a position he wasn’t ready for. Now he’s back in the position he should’ve been. He’s more mature, the dedication to the game is still there.

“In terms of titles, that experience (the Boxxer tournament) hindered his progress.”

And titles are now on the agenda for Cheema and his team.

“He’ll be back in March,” said PJ. “I’d like a title of some sort or an eight rounder. Yes,  the traditional route (is an option), but when you look at the fighters out there, there’s not a lot of difference in terms of quality between Midlands title level and English title level.”

Cheema has a lot going for him – fast hands, an exciting style, a good following. The only thing missing has been experience.

He can now gain that away from the pressure cooker of multi-media coverage – and the hype of arena cards.