By Elliot Foster

Travis Dickinson is set for a new challenge after retiring from professional boxing.

The now-former English light heavyweight champion announced his decision to move away from the paid game, just a day after it was revealed that the opponent for his next title defence, Miles Shinkwin, had been granted a straight shot at the British title, which is held by Bob Ajisafe.

Dickinson leaves the sport with a record of (17-2, 7 KOs) and has confirmed that he will be making a rather unexpected move into bare knuckle fighting.

“After a long hard think I have decided to retire from professional boxing,” the 27-year-old, from Bartley in County Durham, wrote on his official Facebook page.

“It’s too [tiring] and I just can’t make 12-and-a-half stone anymore. But I love fighting, so [I have] decided to do bare knuckle boxing.

“[I] have my first fight on January 16."

Elliot Foster is part of Boxing Scene's UK team. Follow him on Twitter @FreelanceFoz