TONY DODSON says he will call last orders on Paul Smith’s reign as British super-middleweight champion – while regaining his status as ‘landlord’ of the city scene.

The pair lock horns on Friday, March 12 at the Echo Arena in the third Lonsdale Belt clash between Liverpool fighters in a burgeoning year for Merseyside boxing in the division.

Twenty-nine-year-old Dodson (24-5-1) was in typically bullish mood when discussing his showdown with Smith and has vowed to retain the British title as well as his stranglehold on the local contingent of 12st fighters.

Dodson lost an epic bout with Tony Quigley in March last year for the vacant British strap but with unfinished business driving him forward, the ‘Garston Warrior’ has promised to dispatch of his former sparring partner and title holder Smith.

Asked if he was enjoying being part of the thriving super-middleweight scene in Liverpool, Dodson was quick to point out it was him who lit the spark.

Dodson said: “I started the whole thing off, I’ve been the gaffer on Merseyside for the past 10 years even though I lost to Quigley. People still come up to me and say ‘how did you lose the fight?’

“I’m the best in Liverpool, I’m one of the best in the country and physically one of the biggest super-middleweights in the world. I’m 6’2” and a 12st fighter so make the weight easy, there is no way Smith is going to be as strong as me on March, 12.

“The size difference is unbelievable. He could make middleweight, I could make light-middleweight if I was his size because I’m dedicated and have got heart and desire to be the best I can in this sport.

“I’ve watched the Quigley fight back a couple of times and it still hurts and I still watch it in disbelief thinking ‘how the hell did I lose this fight?’.

“But that’s boxing and that is what makes it exciting and I really believe that happened for a reason – to get this fight.

“I will gain far more by beating Paul Smith than I would have done by beating Tony Quigley.”

Defeat to Quigley in a dramatic final round last year meant Dodson was forced to sit at ringside for the victor’s maiden defence against Smith.

Inspired by the atmosphere at the Arena in October, Dodson is determined to put on a better spectacle for the city’s fight fans.

“I’m not doing anything different, I don’t need to. Why change something which isn’t broken? Let’s face it, the Quigley fight was one of the best fights that has been in a British ring for a long time and one of the best performances from a British fighter for a long time as well.

“Smith is not going to see the same fighter because I have got to better myself.

“When I went to watch Paul and Tony the atmosphere was better than Dodson v Quigley.

“They all turned out in such force for that fight because they expected another barnstormer which they didn’t get.

“But my and Paul’s styles gel nice through the sparring we’ve had so if anyone in Liverpool has got any sense then they will get down there and see a good show.”

For tickets call the box office on 0844 8000 400 or visit www.echoarena.com