JON LEWIS DICKINSON is the latest amateur sensation to join Frank Maloney who tips him emulate fellow Geordie Glenn McCrory by winning the world cruiserweight title.
The Newcastle cruiserweight makes his professional debut at Robin Park Arena, Wigan on Friday November 7 when he boxer Yorkshireman Paul Bonson, who will be having his 131st professional fight.
Ambitious Dickinson's hero is Roy Jones Jnr and is sure he can watch his favourite fighter tackle Joe Calzaghe 24 hours later celebrating a successful pro debut.
The former Birtley ABC star won his first ABA title in 2006 when he was crowned cruiserweight king at York Hall, Bethnal Green beating Mark Redhead 16-6 on points.
Dickinson, 21, boxed four times for young England and won 40 of his 50 amateur fights
Maloney "I met Jon and the Hatton v Lazcano show. I was impressed with how he spoke and what he wanted to achieve.
"I have managed fighters from the north-east before, but I have always wanted a Newcastle fighter..
"If Jon is brought along slowly and has the right matches at the right time there is no reason why he can't match the achievements of Glenn McCrory.
"His first few fights will be on undercards around the country, but in the next year I hope to build a show around John in the north-east."
Bonson's record which includes just 20 wins may not make great reading but the former Featherstone Rovers rugby league star took former European cruiserweight champion Terry Dunstan the distance last month.
Top of the bill is Andy Bell's British super-flyweight title defence against Bristol southpaw Lee Haskins. Other stars on the Sky Sports televised show include Mark Moran, Mark Thompson, Tony Quigley, Thomas McDonagh and Akaash Bhatia. Tickets can be purchased by calling 0871 226 1508 or by logging on to www.frankmaloney.com