BRITISH cruiserweight champion Jon-Lewis Dickinson has warned his latest challenger that he will be ready and waiting for whatever he throws at him.

Southport's Mike Stafford will stand in the Birtley boxer's way when he makes the second defence of his title at Houghton-le-Spring's Rainton Meadows Arena on April 19.

Dickinson, who outpointed Sunderland's David Dolan at the same venue in February, is keen to defend the crown three times before stepping up to the European scene.

And the 26-year-old knows he cannot afford to lose against Stafford, who has only lost one of his 12 professional contests.

Dickinson said: "He was a good amateur and he's won an international masters belt and has done ten rounds. I sparred with him a while ago but obviously that is totally different to a real fight.

"I'm just preparing for him to come and be up for a great fight. I just like to get myself ready because when I feel good I'm not really bothered about anyone else. I can adapt in a fight if I have to and if I've put all the graft in beforehand then I'm not worried at all.

"I'll work him out in there. I know his build, his size and how he likes to box. I don't want to sound disrespectful to anyone but I think I'm the best cruiserweight in the country and obviously I'm looking to move on after this year once I've got more experience. At the minute thought it's all about beating these people put in front of me."

Pro Box North-East, in association with Maloney Promotions and Loaded TV, have included the Dickinson-Stafford fight at the top of bill packed with North-East talent.

Sunderland's Prizefighter champion Glenn Foot along with Danny Hughes and Kirk Goodings will be joined by Middlesbrough's Paul Truscott and Shafiq Asif on the show.

Hartlepool's Peter Cope, Fishburn's Gary Fox , South Shields' Anthony Nelson, County Durham's Tommy Ward and Newcastle's Chris Bennett will also be in action on the night.

Tickets are priced £35 and £70 (ringside). For more details contact 07747 611020.