BRITISH cruiserweight champion John-Lewis Dickinson intends to make the boxing world sit up and take notice during the first defence of his title.

Newcastle’s Dickinson aims to retain his coveted belt when he is challenged by Sunderland’s David Dolan in a North-East derby and pride will play a big part at the Rainton Meadows Arena on Friday, February 15.

Dolan, whose career needs a lift, said: “If I lose this contest it will be the last time I step in to a boxing ring, I have come close to winning this title before and I am going to give it everything I have.”

But Dickinson is keen to use the contest as a springboard.

He said: “I have won the Prize-fighter, the English title and the British title and my two losses have come because of injury.

“I am looking for a sensational victory to make the boxing public sit up take note that I am one of the best fighters in the country.”

Dickinson has only lost two of his 14 pro bouts and inflicted one of Dolan’s four defeats from 21 contests at the Stadium of Light in 2011.

Chief support will see undefeated Scottish heavyweight Gary Cornish punching for win number 13 when he takes part in his first eight-rounder.

Local stars Paul Archer, Craig Dixon, Shafiq Asif, Peter Cope, Gary Fox, Anthony Nelson and Ben Jackson round off a show which will be screened on Loaded TV (Sky channel 200).

* Tickets, priced £75 and £35, can be purchased from North-East Boxing on 07747-611020 or online at frankmaloney.com