This Saturday, old rivals Jazza Dickens and Kid Galahad will square off for the vacant IBF featherweight title at Matchroom’s Fight Camp in Brentwood, live worldwide on DAZN.
Almost eight years ago, Galahad overturned an early points deficit to halt Dickens in the 10th round of a British 122lbs title fight in Rotherham. Since then, both have fallen short in world title fights in differing circumstances (Galahad dropped a split decision to Josh Warrington, Dickens suffered an early broken jaw against Guillermo Rigondeaux) before meeting full circle at the weekend.
Scouser Dickens is in the form of his life having won MTK’s Golden Contract tournament last year, beating newly-crowned WBA champion Leigh Wood and the seasoned Ryan Walsh on the way. Galahad proved his championship mettle by taking Warrington to the brink in June 2019.
Each man is tantalisingly close to that world title dream, but aware this could be their last shot at the big time. So, will history repeat itself on Saturday or Dickens have the last laugh? Boxing Social’s intrepid band of writers and fortune tellers attempt to predict the outcome.
Nearly eight years on from their exciting first meeting at super-bantamweight, this is a fascinating rematch in a suddenly intriguing featherweight division that has already seen two major upsets this year, with underdogs Mauricio Lara and Leigh Wood stopping Josh Warrington and Can Xu respectively. Can Dickens – an 11-5 outsider here – make it a trio of upsets? I doubt it, Galahad is a wily and accomplished customer and I think this will be a case of repeat rather than revenge. I’ll take the Sheffield man to win via a comfortable points decision. – Luke G. Williams.
I’ve been changing my pick for this on a daily basis. Galahad’s abilities can cause problems for anyone. I think we will see something cagey to begin with but I think Galahad is going to be too sharp, too elusive and too accurate for Dickens. The Golden Contract winner is on a roll but I worry about his recklessness and what will happen if he has to chase the fight. Dickens can do a lot of what Galahad does but I think on the night the Yorkshireman will do it all a bit better. Galahad UD. – Shaun Brown.
Dickens is a good fighter, I just think Galahad is a better one. The Ingle Gym fighter is awkward, fit, strong and accurate. I think history will repeat itself and Galahad will win by late stoppage. – John A. MacDonald.
This is a genuine pick’em fight. Sheffield’s Galahad is skilful, obstinate and extremely strong at the weight. Having been written off time and again, Liverpool southpaw Dickens seems rejuvenated by his Golden Contract success and certainly has the confidence and craft to take the title. I thought switch-hitter Galahad did enough against Josh Warrington, but two judges favoured the home fighter, though the silence from the Leeds crowd told a story. That said, Galahad didn’t gamble enough in the later stages and the fight slipped away from him. His style is not to everyone’s taste and I think this one will also head to the scorecards and a split decision. This time, Galahad will get the nod in a squeaker. – Mark Butcher.