DAVID Dolan insists he is not just turning up for one final pay day when he challenges for the British title next month.
The Sunderland fighter tackles talented champ Jon Lewis Dickinson at Houghton on Friday, February 15.
Dolan goes into the British cruiserweight championship confrontation as the rank outsider against his North-East neighbour and rival.
Some pundits believe the only thing the 33-year-old will pick up at Rainton Meadows Arena will be his pay cheque.
But Dolan said: “I go in to win every fight.
“I’ve never gone into a bout not expecting to win.”
Dolan, the 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, and his trainer Neil Fannan, who has over 10 top championship fight wins under his belt, are proud fighting men who are still desperate for the glory.
And Dolan explained that is why he is putting himself through a punishing training schedule ahead of the big showdown.
“For a 12-round title fight you need to be in tip-top shape so obviously the hard sessions have to be done,” said the former West Hartlepool rugby forward.
“I have felt all right but you need to be at a different kind of level for 12 rounds. I’m seeing signs now that I’m getting very fit.
“There are still three weeks to go to the fight and two weeks of full training so things are ticking along nicely.
“You never how things are going to go in fights. I’ve been injured and had decisions go against me when I’m sure I’ve won.
“So I just have to get in the best shape I possibly can and then go and give it everything in the fight.”
And Dolan certainly looks in good condition after enduring a typically-tough Fannan regime.
While he may not like the pain, the former English, British and Commonwealth title challenger says he has enjoyed the build-up.
Since losing to Dickinson (left) for the Northern Area title in the summer of 2011, Dolan has boxed just twice, both comfortable points wins, but only over the sprint distance of four rounds.
And he says the hard yards he has put in and all the hours in the gym and the road have convinced him he is still in the shape to do it.
“I don’t feel any different to what I used to in training,” he said.
“It’s a big fight and one which I’m going to go for so I must make sure I’m in the best possible shape and I’m doing that.”
The show will also feature an appetising clash between exciting Hartlepool boxer Peter Cope and unbeaten Easington fighter Paul Archer.
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