FRANK WARREN had a dilemma with his newly crowned “world” champion, Dennis Andries. Despite winning the WBC light-heavyweight belt, Andries struggled to sell tickets and fill seats at his fights. His previous promoter, Warren, had lost money promoting Andries’ British title defeat in the past. Now, facing the challenge of a mandatory defense against Eddie Davis, Warren began considering other options. One option was to have Tony Sibson, another boxer under his management, challenge Andries for the title. Sibson, a popular middleweight fighter, believed he could move up in weight and defeat Andries. The super-middleweight division was still new, and it was rare for two British boxers to contest a world title. The WBC granted Sibson permission to challenge Andries, and the fight was set.
The fight took place in September 1986 at the Alexandra Pavilions in London. Sibson, hailing from Leicester, had a significant hometown support, while Andries was known for his moody and mistrusting nature. Sibson had a more relaxed attitude towards boxing and initially only wanted to make some extra money and win a Lonsdale Belt for his mother. However, he had previously suffered a defeat to Marvin Hagler in a world title fight and struggled with confidence issues. Andries, on the other hand, was a tough fighter who had plowed through the challenges thrown at him throughout his career.
Sibson entered the fight with physical disadvantages, as Andries had height and reach advantages. The crowd heavily favored Sibson and chanted his nickname, “Sibbo,” throughout the match. Sibson started positively, but his jabs barely bothered Andries. Andries responded with powerful counters that made Sibson’s legs shake. In the fourth round, Andries cut Sibson over his right eye and continued to dominate until the eighth round. However, Andries seemed to relax and allowed Sibson to win the sixth and seventh rounds. Concerned by the change in momentum, Andries’ trainer urged him to “get working again” before the eighth round.
Unfortunately for Sibson, Andries quickly regained control in the eighth round. Sibson’s mouth and left eyebrow were bloodied, and he became disheartened by Andries’ relentless attack. In the ninth round, Sibson touched the canvas twice from Andries’ punches but quickly got back up. However, Andries continued to dominate, and Sibson’s trainer was ready to throw in the towel. Referee Sid Nathan eventually waved off the fight, giving Andries the victory. Andries celebrated with a somersault, while the crowd chanted Sibson’s name.
In his post-fight interview, Andries defended himself, stating that “all I do is win.” He believed that Britain should love a winner and appreciate his talent. Meanwhile, Sibson, who had two stitches over his left eye, expressed his disappointment and feeling of foolishness for being confident in defeating Andries.
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