Super lightweight Liam Dillon has heaped praise on his team after a fantastic debut year in the sport that saw him go 4-0 in his first year as a pro.

The Chingford-based boxer trains out of Sparta gym under the guidance of Steve and Bob Kipps in Essex.

Matthew Chanda, who is expected to challenge for the British title later this year, is the 21-year-old stablemate, close friend and main sparring partner.

And Dillon is keen to pay homage to the trio as he prepares for his first outing of the year in March at York Hall.

“I firmly believe I have one of the best teams around me,” said the unbeaten prospect.

“I feel truly blesses to have coaches like Steve and Bob Kipps – who have trained fighters at World level – passing on their knowledge to me.

“Then you have Matthew Chanda who in my view is the best super-fly in the country who I am able to get regular sparring in.

“Getting sparring like that is priceless, after the spars Matthew will always give me pointers and advice which is great because I love his style.

“I’m looking forward to putting together all the improvements I have made from Steve, Bob and Matty in March.

“It’ll be another step up and that’s what I am aiming for this year, to keep progressing, keep building and get in title contention by the end of the year.”

(Photo source and credit: Liam Dillon Instagram – @liamtaz)