Harvey Dykes has a full-time job but after such a successful amateur boxing career, his dreams lie in the squared circle.
Dykes is preparing for the biggest test of his life, a huge showdown with Dorin Krasmaru on the latest Neilson Boxing bill at York Hall on Saturday night.
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Dykes believes he is ready for the big time and this weekend he will get his chance to show itCredit: Getty
The 29-year-old currently works full-time in rubbish clearance, with long and tough days completed by the rigours of balancing his boxing training camp.
But his experience in the amateur ranks shows that he has a talent for boxing at national level, and has a dream worth chasing.
Dykes was crowned as an ABA Elite Champion in 2022, a prestigious title that only a select few of the sport’s best British talents grasp.
To emphasise the magnitude of the achievement, Tyson Fury recorded the feat in 2008 while Anthony Joshua won the title in 2010 and 2011.
Joshua and Fury are now two of the biggest superstars in boxing and have completed it all, both reigning as world champions and fighting on the biggest stages.
And although currently a distant dream, Dykes is confident in his own ability to emulate their successes if he can.
“That’d be the dream for me if I’m being honest,” he told talkSPORT.com in an exclusive chat.
“It’s weird as well because I’ve done it all really without any promotional backing.
“I won the ABA title, I beat the England kid and GB kid and they were both funded boxers.
“I never got backed after that, but I wouldn’t mind being a pound behind them two.
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Dykes has achievements comparable to Joshua and Fury at amateur level – and believes he can make something from the sportCredit: Getty
“I’d love to emulate their achievements too, I love boxing and I’d love to emulate something like they’ve done when I retire.”
Harvey Dykes’ training with Daniel Dubois and Don Charles
Although yet to receive significant promotional backing or a permanent contract, Dykes has certainly been backed in training camp.
The English star is currently trained by renowned coach Don Charles, who recently led Daniel Dubois to world glory, before their eventual recent split.
During his time in various camps, Dykes has gained valuable sparring experience sharing rounds with the likes of Dubois, and even rising superstar Moses Itauma.
And he believes that has helped him gain an advantage over his rivals during the first six fights of his professional career so far.
“I’ve been in camp with Daniel, I’ve been in camp with Mairis Briedis, and I always see sparring as a fight,” he continued.
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Dykes’ career has been perfect as a pro so far, taking six wins from six fights as he looks to build up momentumCredit: Getty
“I think the sparring has brought me further forward, I feel like I’ve had more than ten fights.
“I’m not there to spar, I’m there to try and win. I believe it takes me to a different level already.”
Harvey Dykes’ big break-out fight for the title
The Brighton ticket seller’s body of work has all led up to this night, the biggest of his career.
He comes into the fight with Krasamaru as an underdog, but has the belief of Britain on his shoulders.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, with talkSPORT even revealing to Dykes himself that the stakes would be raised higher, with a Southern Area title on the line.
And after receiving the joyous news, Dykes believes this is his chance to prove his destiny remains in boxing.
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Dykes could finally get his reward, a southern area title, for his work so far in the boxing ring
He concluded: “This is the breakout fight for me, this is what I’ve worked hard all my life for.
“This guy is very good, but I know what I’m capable of and I’m going to prove myself.
“It’s a big step-up, he’s expected to win, but this is the fight that takes me to that next level.
“The opportunities come with it if I win this fight, it could be great times.
“I want to make a better life for myself, I want to see how far I can get and yeah I’d like to get to British title level.”
Watch Harvey Dykes’ huge fight live on the talkSPORT Boxing YouTube channel from 7pm on Saturday September 27.