Last year, boxing greats Tyson Fury and Terrence Crawford watched from the sidelines as James “Sir” Dickens scored the greatest victory of his career in Istanbul.

Dickens defeated the brilliant Olympic gold medalist Albert Battalgaziyev. The victory gave Dickens the interim WBA super-featherweight title, which was later upgraded to the official world title.

But the Liverpool-born fighter couldn’t help but liken his victory to that of a slightly different figure in boxing folklore.

“When I was a kid, we all loved Loki” boxer told Sky Sports.

“For me this is Rocky IV. I always wanted to compete in 100 games and win a world championship. (My world title fight) is my 100th fight and I’m watching Rocky IV Grow up. “

Like Sylvester Stallone’s famous character, Dickens was used to being the underdog.

This battle is no exception. While Dickens was an experienced prizefighter, his opponent, Barty Gaziyev, was a young and heavily favored prizefighter who was undefeated in his title fight.

“The odds[against me]were six to one. Batyrgaziyev was full of life in everybody, wasn’t he?” Dickens reflected.

“But some fighters just know ‘tonight is my night,’ and that’s one of our nights.

“Luckily it’s the biggest night.

“I’m fighting an Olympic champion from Russia, you know, like Rocky, and that’s what it is. There’s really no way to make it up.”

Although he initially won the belt only temporarily, his super featherweight belt was upgraded to an official world title after former champion Lamont Roach gained weight.

It means Dickens, who turned professional 14 years ago, realizes a lifelong dream and is given a boost by another Merseyside legend.

“The first day I walked into the boxing gym I saw John Conte’s picture on the wall and I said, ‘I want to win a world title like him,'” Dickens recalled.

“I was thinking, all the years of hard work, you know, all I want to do in life is call myself a world champion.

“As a kid growing up, coming out of my life circumstances, as a piece of evidence, a little bit of pressure on my shoulders, I said, ‘If I can be a world champion, one day.’

“I’m lucky to be in this position now.”

But he insists that, even at 34, he still has more to do. “With the help of my coach Albert (Ayrapetyan), I feel like I’ve started again,” he said. “I have the mentality of an adult but the youth of a young person, which is incredible.

“I would say that’s where you find your peak – I still don’t believe I’ve gotten there.”

Dickens will defend his title for the first time on March 14 in Dublin against Northern Ireland’s Anthony Kakas.

“I have a lot of respect for Anthony Karkas, not just as a man but as a fighter,” Dickens said. “He’s a humble champion. Some guys I respect, guys I root for, so it’s hard not to root for him in this one.”

His ultimate goal now is to be considered the best fighter in the division. He wants to unify the world championships.

“There’s a difference between being a world champion and being a world champion this World champion,” said the Liverpudlian. “I want to be world champion. “