A BIRKENHEAD boxer whose career has captivated the interest of sports fans across the country has revealed his delighted at finally being able call himself a champion.

As the newly appointed WBC International Lightweight Champion, Sean Dodd’s journey to the title has been one of much frustration and perseverance.

Given the nickname of ‘Cinderella Man’ Sean previously suffered agonising defeats during his previous fights in November last year and April against Scott Cardle, meaning he fell short of taking Cardle’s British Lightweight Championship title.

However last month, in front of 20,000 spectators Sean beat Italian Pasquale Di Dilvio to win the International title. Sean said: “Boxing as a sport is hard anyway, but to suffer so many knocks it was hard to stay motivated.

“There were times I thought what was the point.”

“It was the support I was getting from my family and supporters around me that forced me to keep on going, without them I wouldn’t now be able to call myself a champion which is a great feeling.”

The fight was held at Everton’s Goodison Park with Dodd having dominated the match to convince the judge he was the worthy winner- no surprise to his legion of fans.

Sean’s journey has been unconventional, unlike many boxers Sean only started boxing six years ago aged 25 as a way to escape a lifestyle surrounded by drugs and partying.

“I found a local boxing gym and it changed my life.” The 33-year-old boxer added.

“It taught me about discipline and changed my whole perspective.”

“I would never change my past as they things I did do and the mistakes I made in life, they created the person I am now and the boxer in me.”

He is now a regular guest at school assemblies and has young boxers looking up to him.

Sean Dodd will now defend his title in September in a fight taking place at Liverpool’s Echo arena although his opponent has not been confirmed yet.

‘Masher’ Dodd as he is also known, now has the opportunities to fight for the world title- a step up from the International title he currently holds.

For now though, the fighter is taking a well-deserved break and enjoying his achievements.

“It is unbelievable to know there are now realistic possibility of my fighting for the World title.”

“Everyone was always saying after my previous fights I should have won and I was still a champion to them, but to me I didn’t feel like one.”

“Now, after winning the WBC International lightweight title I can finally say I am a champion and I couldn’t be happier.”

“I would tell anyone young, whatever it is you want to do, work hard and you can achieve it.”