Liam Dillon’s gearing up to toss the Commonwealth Title into his trophy cabinet alongside his British Super-Featherweight belt, squaring off against Reece Bellotti, who’s on a roll, as the main event on a Matchroom NXTGEN card at Indigo at The O2 this Saturday, February 10. Catch it live on DAZN at 2 pm ET.
Chingford’s own Dillon (13-0-1, 3 KOs), who’s already snagged the Southern Area and English Titles at 130lbs, clinched the British Title last July in Newcastle by outpacing Qais Ashfaq in a split decision thriller, a victory he dedicated to his late sister Lauren.
Now, at 28, training under Ross Pearce at RJ’s Boxing Gym in Brentwood, Dillon’s set to lead an Eddie Hearn-promoted show against a fighter he’s long admired, aiming to bag his fourth pro title since he joined the pro ranks in April 2017.
Dillon’s sticking to the old-school path, climbing one rung at a time from the Southern Area to the English Title, then bagging a Commonwealth Eliminator spot, and finally nabbing the British Title. Now, he’s eyeing the Commonwealth strap, fueled further by his past grueling Commonwealth Title Eliminator bout.
Bellotti, hailing from Watford (17-5, 14 KOs), is riding a hot streak with three consecutive wins in 2022 and 2023, having recently secured the vacant Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Title by stopping Aqib Fiaz in Liverpool, handing Fiaz his first pro defeat.
Dillon knows he’s in for a dogfight and respects Bellotti’s resurgence, especially given Bellotti’s power and recent form. He’s ready to dive in, fight his fight, and enjoy the brawl, predicting a spectacle for the fans if both fighters bring their A-game.
Bellotti, determined and possibly facing his last shot at the British Title, has a point to prove after a narrow miss in a previous attempt. Dillon, aware of Bellotti’s power and experience, acknowledges the challenge ahead, poised to do whatever it takes to emerge victorious.
BELLOTTI: “I’VE ALWAYS WANTED THE BRITISH TITLE”
Reece Bellotti is gearing up for a shot at the Lord Lonsdale Challenge Belt as he faces Super-Featherweight Champion Liam Dillon at the head of Matchroom’s NXTGEN event at Indigo at The O2, set for this Saturday, February 10, with live global streaming on DAZN.
Bellotti, a crowd favorite from Watford with a record of 17-5 and 14 KOs, previously vied for the British Featherweight Title against Ryan Walsh in London, December 2018, but was edged out by a split decision. Now, five years later and at 33, the two-time Commonwealth Champion is eyeing the belt once more in what he anticipates to be an electrifying showdown against Dillon.
Bellotti acknowledges Dillon’s skill and resilience, expecting an intense clash given their aggressive fighting styles. He emphasizes the fight’s significance, marking it as a pivotal moment in his career, especially after his initial defeat to Walsh. Despite subsequent losses, Bellotti’s determination saw him through, leading to a commendable comeback that included winning the Commonwealth title.
The upcoming Dillon vs. Bellotti fight tops a packed NXTGEN card, featuring promising talents like Cameron Vuong and established fighters like Craig Richards. Other notable bouts include Shannon Ryan’s super-flyweight title fight, John Hedges’ cruiserweight clash, and Jack Oliphant’s pro debut, among others, promising an event filled with thrilling battles for boxing fans.
Dillon vs. Bellotti Fight Night Schedule: Straight Talk, Real Action
- 17:00 – Doors Swing Open
- 17:30 – Action Starts with “Before the Bell” Live Stream
Early Fights:
- Emmanuel Odiasse (259.6 lbs, Hamburg) vs. Amine Boucetta (231 lbs, Ghent) – Heavyweight Clash
- Ibraheem Sulaimaan (135.3 lbs, Birmingham) vs. Jordan Patrick Tomasoni (136.5 lbs, Nice) – Lightweight Skirmish
- Jack Oliphant (161.7 lbs, Greenwich) vs. Jensen Irving (162.3 lbs, Swindon) – Middleweight Battle
- 19:00 – Main Card Live on DAZN
Main Card: 4. John Hedges (199.2 lbs, Takeley) vs. Erdogan Kadrija (195.4 lbs, Hamburg) – Cruiserweight Contest
- Shannon Ryan (114.9 lbs, Watford) vs. Jasmina Zapotoczna (114.5 lbs, Wakefield) – WBA International Super-Flyweight Title Fight
- Craig Richards (176.7 lbs, Crystal Palace) vs. Boris Crighton (176.2 lbs, Glasgow) – Light-Heavyweight Showdown
- Cameron Vuong (136.5 lbs, Blyth) vs. Ishmael Ellis (135.9 lbs, Birmingham) – Lightweight Bout
Main Event: 8. Liam Dillon (129.9 lbs, Chingford) vs. Reece Bellotti (129.4 lbs, Watford) – For the British and Commonwealth Super-Featherweight Titles