Kid Galahad stops Jazza Dickens to win vacant 126-pound title

Kid Galahad stopped Jazza Dickens to win the vacant IBF 126-pound title Saturday in England.

Kid Galahad took advantage of his second shot at a major title.

The Sheffield, England, fighter, who lost a decision to then-IBF featherweight beltholder Josh Warrington in 2019, knocked out Jazza Dickens in the 11th round to win the same vacant title Saturday at Fight Camp in Brentwood.

The fight was stopped by Dickens’ corner because of the punishment he had endured.

Dickens, who also was stopped by Galahad in 2013, held his own in the early rounds as the principals engaged in a tactical fight. However, Galahad (28-1, 17 KOs) began to take control around Round 4 as he found a home for his jab and hard, accurate power shots.

Dickens (30-4, 11 KOs) fought bravely but took more and more damaging blows as the fight progressed. Finally, after the bell to end Round 11, his handlers decided enough was enough and they stopped the fight.

Thus, Galahad became a world titleholder.

The honor came late for the 31-year-old native of Qatar, who turned professional in 2009. He was suspended in 2015 for two years after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.

Kid Galahad stops Jazza Dickens to win vacant 126-pound title

Kid Galahad stopped Jazza Dickens to win the vacant IBF 126-pound title Saturday in England.

Kid Galahad took advantage of his second shot at a major title.

The Sheffield, England, fighter, who lost a decision to then-IBF featherweight beltholder Josh Warrington in 2019, knocked out Jazza Dickens in the 11th round to win the same vacant title Saturday at Fight Camp in Brentwood.

The fight was stopped by Dickens’ corner because of the punishment he had endured.

Dickens, who also was stopped by Galahad in 2013, held his own in the early rounds as the principals engaged in a tactical fight. However, Galahad (28-1, 17 KOs) began to take control around Round 4 as he found a home for his jab and hard, accurate power shots.

Dickens (30-4, 11 KOs) fought bravely but took more and more damaging blows as the fight progressed. Finally, after the bell to end Round 11, his handlers decided enough was enough and they stopped the fight.

Thus, Galahad became a world titleholder.

The honor came late for the 31-year-old native of Qatar, who turned professional in 2009. He was suspended in 2015 for two years after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.

Kid Galahad promises to defeat Jazza Dickens in ‘spectacular fashion’

Kid Galahad promises to defeat Jazza Dickens in ‘spectacular fashion’ when they meet on Saturday.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on DAZN.com.

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Kid Galahad expects to win in style when he faces Jazza Dickens for the vacant IBF featherweight title on Saturday night on DAZN. Both men will compete for world honors for a second occasion following unsuccessful efforts the first time around.

The fighters know each other well following a meeting back in 2013, when Dickens surrendered an early lead to be stopped in the 10th session. Since that meeting, the fighters have sparred dozens of rounds and are on excellent terms when not facing each other. Galahad is putting that friendship on hold for the time being.

“I’ve actually done about 60 or 70 rounds with Jazza Dickens, probably more,” said Galahad. “When I boxed Marrero, I sparred Jazza. I’ve known him for a long time, we’re friends. Any time I ever fight a southpaw I always spar with Jazza because he’s a good southpaw.

“At the end of the day, when we get in there, friendship is going to be pushed to the side and that’s it. Seek and destroy, that’s it. I’m not here to make friends and everything else. When I get in there I’m here to win. I don’t care who you are.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gyzNCJzJBc&t=233s

Galahad added: “When we get in that ring … it’s just going to be me and him in there, nobody else. That’s when it’s going to matter. I’ve done it the hard way, and I’m going to win this world title in spectacular fashion. I’m going to be a world champion for a very long time. I’m not going to let it go.”

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