Clacton boxer Arnie Dawson knocks out opponent in huge US clash

Arnie 'The Terminator' Dawson, 21, jetted off to Texas on October 5 for a major boxing tournament.

He fought in the FightZone Transatlantic Clash which was between seven boxers from the UK and seven from the US to see which country comes out on top.

Incredible - Arnie Dawson, Tom Dawson, Roy Jones Junior, Gareth Bayford (Image: Gareth Bayford) The event turned out to be a draw between the two countries.

Arnie said: "In terms of the draw it was disappointing as we went there at the beginning not knowing many of the fighters but in the first week we built up relationships with some of them.

"Going into fight night I was rooting for everyone to win so the fact that three boxers got no decision in their fights was gutting.

"But at the same time you have to remind yourself it is an individual sport."

Arnie earned second place out of UK boxers and managed to knock out an opponent. 

He said: "I was buzzing and I didn't let disappoint of some of the others cloud my excitement and I was over the moon."

This fight marked the first occasion Arnie has taken part in a competition overseas.

He said: "This is the first time I have ever boxed abroad and to be honest before the fight I was quite nervous and I don't know if that was because of the week build up.

"It was the first time I did press conference and a weight-in in front of the media.

"I was nervous on fight night but seeing my support coming over from England settled my nerves.

"My nerves disappeared and I knew it was like anywhere else in the world - despite it being America - it was nice seeing my dad there and it felt like I was anywhere - even at the Clacton town hall."

Amazing - fans Laura Bayford, Chloe Reed, Jo Aulisi and Tom Dawson with Gareth and Arnie (Image: Gareth Bayford)He continued: "We were put up in two big houses so we all lived together for a week and before fight night there was a big bonding moment.

"We were all mingling and helping out each other and it was great we will all stay in contact."

The young boxer was shocked at how much support he received both in America and with the fans back at home. 

Arnie said: "I was almost taken a back and I was gobsmacked with the people out in Clacton watching the fight at 2am. 

"I'd like to shoutout my girlfriend, Gareth and his wife, my dad and his girlfriend for coming out to America to support me - seeing them really settled my nerves."

Fight - Arnie in the ring having just won a round (Image: Gareth Bayford) 

Arnie said: "I got out the ring at 4am UK time and I went to the changing room and, bearing in mind it had been 45 minutes since I put my phone down and it was early hours, I had 120 notifications from everyone watching the match and it took me aback.

"So many people over here [in Clacton] were staying up at half three in the morning to watch me and I would like to stay a big thank you to everyone tuning in.

"It means a lot knowing I had people watching me through the other side of the screen."

Team - Arnie and Gareth before they jetted off to Texas (Image: Gareth Bayford) Gareth Bayford, Arnie's coach, said: "Boxing out there was very hostile - there were hundreds of people in auditorium but only ten people from the UK.

"Out of 1300 people we had 30 people over here from the UK  so it was exciting to shut them up a little bit.

"When his opponent came out into the ring the audience erupted but by the end they were shouting Arnie's name - I mean he did do a demolition job on the boy."

As soon as Arnie got home he had a fast food snack and got some well-deserved rest.

"Well, I had McDonalds on the way back but as soon as I got home I went to see my mum as she couldn't come out to America.

"Then I fell asleep at 9pm and I woke up at 12pm the next day!"