Champ Dean hangs fire on pro career

10:23am Tuesday 19th December 2000

SIDCUPs Dean Corrigan will wait another year before he turns professional, despite his easy win over Ian Dilkes to capture the ABA National Novices light heavyweight crown in Leeds on Saturday night, writes Roger Wright.

Dean, who remains unbeaten after 10 fights, six of which he has won inside the distance, thinks he needs more amateur experience and wants to box for England.

I was toying with the idea of turning pro straight away, he said. But my trainers told me there was no need to rush. After all, I have won this title so quickly. I am now looking at the Summer of 2002 as my target date to get into the paid ranks.

The 21-year-old from Oaklands Avenue will also give the Open Class finals in March a miss.

Dean had an overwhelming points win over Dilkes, an Army Lance Corporal.

I went for him straight away and, after about 30

seconds, I caught him with a big right-hander.

I thought he was finished, but he refused to go down. After that, I dominated the fight and won all three rounds quite easily, he said.

Dean was also motivated by the somewhat hostile crowd in the Knottingley Arena.

I usually have a lot of supporters, but most of them were unable to travel to Leeds. I was being booed, and thats always a sure way to motivate me.

Dean will now have a holiday before he gets back into training. He says he is grateful to Dave Cosh for helping with his accommodation and to all his supporters at Charlton Park Rugby Club. He is also looking for a sponsor. If you can help, call him on 07951 023609.

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