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Birtley boxer Mark Dickinson to take part in Prize Fighter tournament in Japan

The Northeast’s own, Mark Dickinson, will participate in Matchroom Boxing’s Prize Fighter tournament in Nagoya, Japan.

The former Team GB member will be one of eight middleweights competing for $1million, with an additional $100k knockout prize pot up for grabs.

Credit: Matchroom Boxing

The format of the tournament is straightforward, with the eight fighters separated into four quarter finals. The winners then face off in their respective semi finals, followed by the final which will decide the winner of the entire competition.

Dickinson, currently 6-0 as a professional boxer, will face 13-0 Anauel Ngamissengue in his quarter final on March 31st.

This a huge test for Mark Dickinson, who will face an undefeated fighter for the first time in his professional career.

Ngamissengue is ranked at No.10 in the world by the IBF, and No.9 in the world by the WBO. The stakes are massive in this fight, not only in the context of the tournament, but also what Dickinson has to gain from victory regarding his ranking in the division.

Mark Dickinson celebrates victory against Gideon Onyenani in the middle weight bout at the OVO Arena Wembley, London. Picture date: Saturday November 26, 2022. (Alamy)

Dickinson has told SportsByte: “Every fight is important but with this being my next fight, it’s so important to win to keep my career going in the right direction.”

“Ngamissengue has a great amateur background and has been very impressive in the professional ranks so far. He’s strong and tough and I’m sure will make for a great fight.”

He further added: “This is an experience money can’t buy, and will put me in great stead for when the time comes and I’m challenging for world titles.”

From competing in the 2019 European games in Minsk, Belarus and the 2019 World Championships in Yekaterinburg, Russia as an amateur, Mark Dickinson is undoubtedly endowed with fighting on foreign soil, however this will be the first time he will box outside the UK since turning pro.

Most recently he defeated fellow Brit, Grant Dennis in a English Middleweight Title eliminator by stoppage in the 5th round.

He will certainly be looking to carry this form into a huge opportunity in Japan this coming March.