Cruiserweight Jon-Lewis Dickinson is hoping to dust off his passport and pit himself against Europe’s best next year, but before then the Birtley banger has some home-grown business to take care of.

On April 19, at Houghton-le-Spring’s Rainton Meadows Arena, British champion Dickinson will make the second defence of his 14st 4lbs belt against Southport’s Mike Stafford, live and free on Loaded TV.

In the first bout of his title reign, in an all North East affair, Jon-Lewis defeated Sunderland’s Dave Dolan at the same venue back in February.  This time around, the 26-year-old is looking forward to another feverish atmosphere and is determined to send the local fans home happy.

“It was absolutely brilliant,” recalled Dickinson, of his first contest as champion.  “The atmosphere was amazing and to walk into that [to the ring] was just great.

“I’m hoping for the same again and maybe to get even more there this time, now that people know what it’s all about.  This will be another really good show and a great night for the fans.”

Stafford, of course, will be hoping to spoil Dickinson’s party.  A pro since 2006 and with a queue of talented fighters forming behind him, the 31-year-old will want to grab this shot with both hands.

With just one loss on his 12-fight ledger, Dickinson knows his Merseyside opponent is a threat.  Having sparred together previously the champion has an idea of what he’ll face come fight-night but he remains positive that, as long as he is prepared properly, everything will be alright on the night.

“He was a good amateur, and he’s won an International Masters belt and has done 10 rounds,” assessed Jon-Lewis of Stafford.  “I sparred with him a while ago but obviously that’s totally different to a real fight.

“I’m just preparing for him to come and be up for a great fight.  I just like to get myself ready because when I feel good I’m not really bothered about anyone else.  I can adapt in a fight if I have to and if I’ve put all the graft in beforehand then I’m not worried at all.

“I’ll work him out in there.  I know his build and his size, and how he likes to box, and we’ll work on that.  I don’t want to sound disrespectful to anyone but I think I’m the best cruiserweight in the country and obviously I’m looking to move on after this year once I’ve got more experience.  At the minute though it’s all about beating these people put in front of me.”

Pro Box North East, in association with Maloney Promotions and Loaded TV (Sky Channel 200), present Jon-Lewis Dickinson making the second defence of his British cruiserweight title against Merseyside’s Mike Stafford at the Rainton Meadows Arena on April 19.

The undercard for the show will feature talent from across the North East including Sunderland’s Glenn Foot, Danny Hughes and Kirk Goodings; Hartlepool’s Peter Cope; Middlesbrough’s Paul Truscott and Shafiq ‘Chubzy’ Asif; Fishburn’s Gary Fox; South Shields’ Anthony Nelson; County Durham’s Tommy Ward, and Newcastle debutant Chris Bennett.

Tickets are priced at £35 and £70 (ringside).  For more information contact 0774 7611 020.