BoxRec

Does anybody know much about Harvey - in particular his amateur performances?

Won the National Amateur Championships at Super Heavyweight, so I’m surprised there isn’t more fanfare around him as a pro.

I’m a bit out of touch on the amateur scene, so wondering why the NAC title seems to earn less respect than the ABA title it replaced?

Harvey is local to me and despite treading the same path as Fury/AJ, doesn’t seem to get a lot of coverage.

Read somewhere that he might have a stint at bridgerweight as he isn’t massive, which would seem to make his NAC win more impressive.

Frostieballs wrote: ↑10 Feb 2025, 03:53 Does anybody know much about Harvey - in particular his amateur performances?

Won the National Amateur Championships at Super Heavyweight, so I’m surprised there isn’t more fanfare around him as a pro.

I’m a bit out of touch on the amateur scene, so wondering why the NAC title seems to earn less respect than the ABA title it replaced?

Harvey is local to me and despite treading the same path as Fury/AJ, doesn’t seem to get a lot of coverage.

Read somewhere that he might have a stint at bridgerweight as he isn’t massive, which would seem to make his NAC win more impressive.

Not all the GB boys go in the NAC's.

mickey1975 wrote: ↑10 Feb 2025, 04:35

Frostieballs wrote: ↑10 Feb 2025, 03:53 Does anybody know much about Harvey - in particular his amateur performances?

Won the National Amateur Championships at Super Heavyweight, so I’m surprised there isn’t more fanfare around him as a pro.

I’m a bit out of touch on the amateur scene, so wondering why the NAC title seems to earn less respect than the ABA title it replaced?

Harvey is local to me and despite treading the same path as Fury/AJ, doesn’t seem to get a lot of coverage.

Read somewhere that he might have a stint at bridgerweight as he isn’t massive, which would seem to make his NAC win more impressive.

Not all the GB boys go in the NAC's.

Thanks Mickey. Why is that?

The podium squad sometimes have other commitments such as international box cups. When they do enter they come in seeded at the quarters.

6ft tall, 5 and 0 and not stopped anyone, last 2 fights vs the same journeyman who has never won a fight, and is 29.

He won't make a HW

SeanBrennan wrote: ↑10 Feb 2025, 19:46 6ft tall, 5 and 0 and not stopped anyone, last 2 fights vs the same journeyman who has never won a fight, and is 29.

He won't make a HW

Bang on

His next bout on 7 March 2025 against an Italian with a 5-5 record should tell us a bit more where his level is in the professional ranks.

On the undercard of the Channel 5 tv show.

Personally, i'd be more inclined to take an interest in Tommy Welch. I think the leash is starting to be loosened with his match making, currently 14-0. Also on the Channel 5 tv undercard.

THEBUTCH wrote: ↑11 Feb 2025, 10:44 His next bout on 7 March 2025 against an Italian with a 5-5 record should tell us a bit more where his level is in the professional ranks.

On the undercard of the Channel 5 tv show.

Personally, i'd be more inclined to take an interest in Tommy Welch. I think the leash is starting to be loosened with his match making, currently 14-0. Also on the Channel 5 tv undercard.

Yes - I have seen them both box. Was at the last Brighton Channel 5 show as well.

Was more intrigued by the fact that Harvey has good amateur pedigree with the NAC title - but this doesn't get talked about in the same way as ABA champions did.

quick hands, can see how he was a good amateur. but too lacking in other areas to go far. not a good sign that he's that flabby so early too, i bet he could make cruiser if he lived the life

the fact that welch's recent opposition has been a step up reflects just how dreadful it was before. still yet to fight anyone with a pulse. i think he does look a reasonable prospect for area/commonwealth but they are matching him like theyre not confident

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑11 Feb 2025, 13:19 quick hands, can see how he was a good amateur. but too lacking in other areas to go far. not a good sign that he's that flabby so early too, i bet he could make cruiser if he lived the life

When I watched the Lewis Williams fight at the weekend I was genuinely surprised to see two heavyweights who both looked flab free. Rare these days (also in MMA, not just in boxing)

ya some guys really take liberties with not having to make weight

a lot of these guys arent simply carrying a bit of extra, they are carrying loads. not that it's a body building contest but it does make me question their fitness and dedication till theyve proven they can do the rounds even with all the weight

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑11 Feb 2025, 13:26 the fact that welch's recent opposition has been a step up reflects just how dreadful it was before. still yet to fight anyone with a pulse. i think he does look a reasonable prospect for area/commonwealth but they are matching him like theyre not confident

Please not Tommy Welch. Sooo limited, another privately educated Brighton man living off his daddy’s name and talking like a fake roadman. I’ve watched most of his fights and he’s not being moved slowly due to being cautiously managed, he’s just extremely limited with no talent.

His parents make their money running poor care homes, they have made more headlines for providing substandard care for vulnerable elderly people than anything he achieved in the ring. He’s the in-house bootlicker for the WBC and his son is crap even for channel 5.

Decent enough amateur but as a pro he's pretty dull. Weight is an issue

Thanks for all your input on this thread.

I live in Brighton and think Harvey is a little undervalued, so have written a couple of pieces for him.

Here is one on the Boxing News website:

https://boxingnewsonline.net/unheralde ... -hard-way/

Frostieballs wrote: ↑04 Mar 2025, 09:12 Thanks for all your input on this thread.

I live in Brighton and think Harvey is a little undervalued, so have written a couple of pieces for him.

Here is one on the Boxing News website:

https://boxingnewsonline.net/unheralde ... -hard-way/

Nice, well written piece, good job

Coco wrote: ↑04 Mar 2025, 09:59

Frostieballs wrote: ↑04 Mar 2025, 09:12 Thanks for all your input on this thread.

I live in Brighton and think Harvey is a little undervalued, so have written a couple of pieces for him.

Here is one on the Boxing News website:

https://boxingnewsonline.net/unheralde ... -hard-way/

Nice, well written piece, good job

Cheers Coco! Means a lot from someone with inside knowledge of the sport.

Here is the full copy….

Mar 04 2025 - Unheralded Dykes doing things the hard way

BRIGHTON’S Harvey Dykes is an old school ticket seller. In an era when clicks, controversy and even surnames count, his impressive following has developed traditionally amongst a close-knit, working-class community.

Dykes was born and bred in Whitehawk, a gritty eastern suburb of a seaside resort better known for its vibrant nightlife, Victorian promenade and well to do neighbour Hove. It is the type of area where, to borrow a football term, you can become one of their own.

“We all look out for each other around here,” the southpaw explains. “If one of us is in trouble, we are all in trouble. It is all I have known, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I was raised here, my parents were raised here and their parents before that. My friends’ parents are mates with my mum and dad. I went to nursery with some of my best friends. That is how we are.”

Harvey sold over 300 tickets for his professional debut (a points win) in March on a Harlem Eubank undercard. It was no surprise that event promoters Wasserman held his four-rounder back until after the main event, an old trick to keep his vocal supporters in the arena.

There will be closer to double that cheering him on for his sixth professional outing this Friday (March 7th) back at the Brighton Centre.

“We have had to go back for more tickets several times now. There has been a good amount of notice for this fight, so everybody is trying to make it. I really appreciate it, because it isn’t a cheap night out.”

It is easy to see why Dykes is popular; affable, open and authentic, you get what you see. He hasn’t needed to contrive a following; he is one of them.

“I don’t really like to call my supporters fans. It doesn’t sit right. I see them more as my mates. We all watch Whitehawk (semi-pro, Isthmian league) and Brighton together. We all play pool at The Ruby (a lively local where they pour him a pint of water as soon as he walks in). I’m not very good though – stick to boxing!”.

Dykes is, however, more than a just ticket seller. He has amateur pedigree.

In 2022 he reversed a decision to Gideon Antwi in the previous year’s final to win the National Amateur Championships at super heavyweight, the modern-day equivalent of the ABA title once held by both Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.

This would normally secure wider recognition – particularly when coupled with an impressive following – but headlines have been hard to come by, even in the local media.

“I don’t get a look in really, even in the papers here. I am not sure why. I have made a little bit of history by being the first ABA champion from Brighton this century (Scott Welch was the last in 1992) but it doesn’t get a lot of attention.

“Maybe it’s because they see us as being over here on Council estates, a bit out of town. I also don’t have a famous surname, but it is nothing against the other boxers in Brighton. I like them all. You couldn’t get a nicer bloke than Harlem (Eubank, who tops the bill on Friday).”

A lucrative professional contract often associated with national amateur titles hasn’t been forthcoming either.

Fortunately, Dykes has been able to fall back on support from within his community to train full time.

“I had chats with a lot of people, was promised a lot of things, but nothing happened. It made things very difficult; I sold my disposal business, then didn’t fight for nine months. I was starting to think that maybe I had made the wrong decision.

“Then I got support from a local construction business (The Sussex Building Company) and that took a weight off my shoulders. I couldn’t do this without them.”

Dykes is under the guidance of respected trainer Don Charles, who also guides IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois, working at his Finchley gym three days week. Second trainer and cutsman Luke Hewett, once a handy amateur himself, takes care of the rest at Whitehawk Boxing Club, the first gym he ever stepped into.

He has moved along to 5-0 (all points) as a professional heavyweight, but will now be campaigning a division down, and possibly beyond in the future.

“My next fight is at Bridgerweight. With the help of a nutrition company (Traact) I have lost 10 kilos – mostly by cutting out carbs. I feel good – really healthy. The problem with Bridgerweight is there are no domestic titles I can fight for, but I think in time I can do cruiser.”

Dykes believes that he fights best when an opponent is coming onto him, much like his local premier league team.

Italian Stefano Capone (5-5), who stands in the opposite corner on Friday night, may well oblige. He has a win one, lose one record and won’t be coming to survive.

“Everyone I have boxed so far as a pro has just covered up. I have fast hands and good feet, so I need someone to be trying to hit me. That is why we have gone for this guy.

“My power is going to carry down to Bridgerweight as well. I am going for it; I am going to get those openings now and get that knockout.”

good to hear that he's taking getting in shape more seriously

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑05 Mar 2025, 12:56 good to hear that he's taking getting in shape more seriously

He is looking in decent shape. Think he’s going to be shown on TV Friday as well.

Harvey had a respectable 34 amateur bouts, winning 26.

Harvey is a genuinely great kid and a fantastic boxer.He’s not had much luck so far in his career through no fault of his own, but things will definitely come good for him……

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QXYPDl9MQOM

He has dropped a lot of weight.

Opponent looks in good nick.

Italian, 5-5, wins one, loses one. Will come to win. Could be a decent fight.

https://boxingnewsonline.net/daniel-du ... over-usyk/

Dykes Backing Dubois to Cause Upset

Former National Amateur Champion Harvey Dykes is backing his gym-mate Daniel Dubois to stop Oleksandr Usyk on Saturday night and become the first undisputed British heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis.

Dykes, from Whitehawk, is better placed than most to make his prediction. He regularly trains alongside Dubois under trainer Don Charles in London. The two have shared the ring on many occasions.

‘I’ve sparred Daniel a lot,’ the 29-year-old Dykes explained. ‘We’ve done over 60 rounds in total and around 25 in preparation for the Usyk fight. It would have been more, but I got a cut a few weeks ago so we had to take a little pause.

‘Daniel is in the best shape I have seen him in. I’ve always rated him highly, but I think he’s peaked now. Usyk has got his hands full.’

Whilst Dykes is under no illusion regarding the task at hand, he feels that the timing favours ‘Dynamite’ Dubois.

‘I love Usyk, he is so talented. I regard him as the greatest of our generation. He is such an intelligent fighter and has done it all. I can see why he is the favourite.

‘But I just feel this is Daniel’s time now. He’s 27, Usyk is 38. Daniel is also the hardest single puncher I have ever boxed

‘I think he’s going to get it done by stoppage, mid to late rounds.’

The popular Dykes has world title ambitions of his own. As an amateur he won everything, including the same national championships as Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury at heavyweight.

Some turning professional as a heavyweight 18 months ago, he has cruised to 6-0 and been the best supported boxer on two televised Harlem Eubank cards at the Brighton Arena - selling over 500 tickets on both occasions.

His next move is currently in the works. ‘I’m going to be fighting at Bridwerweight now,’ Harvey added. ‘Through hard work and an improved diet I’ve managed to lose a lot of weight. I may even be able to do cruiserweight long term.

‘We are working on a few things at the moment, but I’m hoping titles aren’t far away. I’m ready. I need that next step now.’

https://www.theargus.co.uk/sport/256326 ... -brighton/

Whitehawk’s Harvey Dykes is dealing with a last-minute ticket rush ahead of his return to the ring at the Brighton Centre on Friday night.

The 29-year-old has sold more than 500 tickets for each of his last two appearances at the venue, which also came on Harlem Eubank undercards. He looks set to be the best supported boxer on the bill again.

“It has gone crazy these last few days, the phone has been ringing off the hook,” said the 29-year-old.

“It always happens this way, everyone leaves it until the last minute, but I don’t mind it one bit. I love it when the buzz starts to pick up and I know my supporters are getting behind me. I am grateful to every one of them.”

Dykes clearly likes to stay busy. Despite progressing well through the professional ranks, he still delivers a lot of tickets himself and runs his own clearance business, Quick Tip Rubbish Solutions.

This all fits around training full time under the watchful eyes of Don Charles in London and Luke Hewett and Richard Evans in Brighton.

“Things are pretty full on most of time,” Dykes added. “But that seems to work for me at the moment. It keeps me focused and sharp and I get a lot of help from my partner Coral Gipson and mate Sonny Burtenshaw with the tickets.

"At some point in the near future, though, I will focus just on the bits inside the ring. Particularly as titles are just around the corner.”

Dykes goes over six rounds against proven and rugged Belarussian Viktar Chvarkou, his first outing since a bizarre encounter at The York Hall in September when he took on Dorin Krasmaru in his first ten round fight.

Despite clearly outboxing the Ukrainian, a 93-93 draw was announced, a mathematically impossible score without knockdowns or extremely one side rounds. The Boxing Board of Control has since confirmed that there was a mistake with the announcement (stating it should have been 95-95) but not the outcome, which has left most puzzled.

“Everyone saw I won that fight. There were boos in the venue and everyone who watched it on YouTube has been texting me saying I was robbed.

“It hasn’t set me back, though. I did the ten rounds easily and know I am ready for a big fight. The Board have told me I am going to be put forward for the Southern Area as well, so hopefully big things are just around the corner. Maybe even in Brighton!”