DOG’S LIFE FOR DODD
Masher hungry for title success
SEAN DODD was so hardup early in his career that he couldn’t even afford to feed his dogs.
Now ‘Masher’ hopes to become a top dog in the ring by swiftly reclaiming the Commonwealth lightweight title at Cardiff’s Ice Arena tonight.
The Birkenhead bruiser meets WBA International belt holder Joe Cordina in his first bout since losing the Commonwealth strap to Tommy Coyle in April.
Fame
Coyle, who won in six rounds, subsequently relinquished the title and Dodd is determined to get his hands on it again.
After years of hardship, the 34-year-old is now enjoying fame and relative fortune as he locks horns with the best fighters around.
It’s all a far cry from the financial struggles he endured after his decision to turn professional back in 2003.
He found it hard to keep his head above water, working as a roofer and cycling to the gym after work each day.
He also had poorly-paid fights on non-televised bills and said: “It was tough because I wasn’t really earning that much.
“I was really scraping the barrel. I couldn’t afford gas and electricity for the house and life was one big struggle. I was even struggling to feed my dogs. It was so bad my neighbour was helping. Financially, I just couldn’t survive.”
But life took a turn for the better when he made his live television debut, claiming a points win over Gary Buckland in 2015.
That earned more money, a wider fanbase and, more importantly from a financial viewpoint, two televised British title clashes with Scotty Cardle. He controversially lost one and the other was drawn before he
went on to win the WBC International lightweight title.
Now he faces Welshman Cordina, who has stopped six of his seven opponents and is confident he can claim another win.
He said: “If he thinks he is going to take me into deep waters and try and take me out, that’s not going to happen, because I am going to be there all the way.
“I’ve got a lot of heart and he’ll know that and you’ll see it on the night. I’ve got a good skill set to go along with that.”