Harvey Dykes would normally be working as a garbage collector this week, but the undefeated heavyweight took some time away from work to chase a life-changing win over the two-time Olympic medalist.
The 30-year-old left-hander received a late call-up to take part in Saturday’s Zuffa Boxing show at the Bournemouth International Centre. Sky Sports live broadcastWith Dykes came a 10-round test against Kazak knockout expert Ivan Dychko.
Dykes, who works with respected trainer Don Charles and most recently served as a sparring partner for Daniel Dubois, is relishing the opportunity to turn things around despite only starting the fight 12 days ago.
“I took a week off from work to do this. I want to take off work next month!” dike told Sky Sports. “This could change my life and my family’s life.
Can Harvey Dykes upset two-time Olympic bronze medalist Ivan Dychko this weekend?
“I got a call last Monday and they said, ‘Are you going to fight?’ And I said, ‘Absolutely.’ I went straight up to Don Charles’ (gym) and I was ready to go because I had done some work last week and had some good sparring. Anyway, I was in the gym.
“It’s definitely the biggest fight of my career. I have to win this one.”
Dykes, one of the founders of the Brighton Boxing Academy, has come a long way in all seven of his wins, but expects a much tougher test from Dychko, who won 14 of his first 15 professional fights by knockout before losing to Jermaine Franklin in September.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Dykes insisted. “I’m not afraid of anyone. I’m not saying that. It’s just my personality.
“I’m the nicest guy in the world, but I’ve never been afraid of a man in my life and I never will be afraid of a guy. I’m looking forward to getting in there and working with him. I’m not a hard guy, I’m just a neighborhood poor guy, but I’ve never been afraid of a guy.
“He (Dychko) would see me at breakfast and think he had won the lottery when he saw me, but when he was in the ring with me, it was different. A lot of people said that.
“I think he’s slowed down a little bit, to be honest with you. He’s good, he’s strong, his fundamentals are good. He’s a dog, right? But I’m going to take him to a dark place because I’m going to be a dog there.”
“I think he beat Jermaine (Franklin) but a lot should be taken away from that fight. I think he looked tired in that fight. I think I should go in there and give the same performance, but a little better than Jermaine did.”
‘Dychko will feel it!’
Taking on a 6-foot-9 giant who has beaten Filip Hrgovic, Bakhodir Jalolov and Zhilei Zhang in his illustrious amateur career may seem like a daunting prospect, but Dykes holds himself back to take Dychko the distance.
Ivan Dychko narrowly lost to Anthony Joshua in the semifinals of the 2012 London Olympics.
“I’m not sure I can take him down,” Dykes admitted. “I think it’s going to be a long night, to be honest. I think he’s tough. I think he’s strong.
“I think once I get through the early rounds and get into the deeper water, I’ll know I’m ready to swim. I know he will too, but I believe I’ll be the best swimmer tonight.
“I want to surprise a lot of people. Everyone has known my name for years, but now they will see it and the big 6-foot-9 Kazakh will feel it!”
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Sky Sports News reporter Andy Scott has been granted exclusive access to one of Ryan Rozicki’s final training sessions ahead of his fight against Chris Willam-Smith.
Dychko’s loss against Franklin ended the undefeated start to his professional career. But Dychko, 35, believes he can end Dykes’ undefeated record.
“Of course I want to be world champion.” Dychko told Sky Sports. “I want my name to go down in boxing history.
“I am bringing the great experience I gained from my amateur career to professional boxing. I am delighted to be here and excited to be doing business with Zuffa.
“I’ve seen him (Dykes) fight and I know his style. I’ve got my strategy – you’ll find out!”
Dychko returns for first time since September
The preliminary card also features British prospect Leon Hughes looking to continue his perfect start in the professional ranks when he takes on Bulgaria’s Mario Vergiev, while Alex MacMillan takes on late replacement Leo Fanthome in a six-round welterweight contest.
How do I watch the rest of the opening?
Previous matches can be viewed live streaming on the Sky Sports website and app and the Sky Sports Boxing YouTube page from 5pm on Saturday.
Ukrainian heavyweight Ivan Dychko is set to face Britain’s Harvey Dykes, while undefeated duo Leon Hughes and Alex Macmillan are also in action.
Watch Zuffa Boxing 07 this Saturday on Sky Sports.Ahead of the live action, Sky Sports Action from 5pm, Sky Sports Main Event streaming from 7pm on Sky One.. Enjoy Sky Sports or stream boxing without a contract.
