Grant or Williams
Battle it out for Last Prizefighter Spot
October 28, 2009
(OCT 28) Injury to Purdy means the
winner of the English title clash could be in Prizefighter. NEXT
month's English Light-Welterweight Championship contest between Michael
Grant and Steve Williams could lead to the winner securing a
Prizefighter spot. Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn will
invite the winner of the clash on November 6, which will be held in
Magherafelt, Northern Ireland on the undercard of Paul McCloskey's clash
with Souleymane M'baye for the European title, into December's
Prizefighter Light-Welterweights.
A press conference to launch the latest event in The Prizefighter Series
was held at the Hilton Olympia in Kensington, London, earlier today.
Hearn revealed that Colchester-based fighter Lee Purdy, the current
Southern Area Champion, has withdrawn due to an injury sustained in
training.
His place could now be taken by either Londoner Grant or Liverpool's
Steve Williams and Hearn believes it will be great extra motivation for
both men.
"With seven top established boxing champions already committed to
Prizefighter Light-Welterweights, it's a real opportunity for either
Michael Grant or Steve Williams to be included in such a prestigious
line-up," said Hearn.
"Of course Michael and Steve are contesting the English title on Friday,
November 6 but the added attraction of the winner getting into
Prizefighter is a big carrot to dangle in front of both fighters.
"The secret of Prizefighter has always been the mixture of fighters and
their styles and a mixture of past and future champions.
"December 4th at the National Hall Olympia is no exception to the high
standard that we've already seen. You just have to look at the names and
the memorable fights they've been in to know it will be another great
night of boxing Prizefighter style.
"Favourites haven't fared too well at Prizefighters and sometimes, just
sometimes, a young ambitious fighter can become a superhero on the
night. Let's wish all the fighters the best of luck.
"The boxing fans will be watching the type of entertainment that boxing
has been crying out for years."
Prizefighter Light-Welterweights takes place at the National Hall,
Olympia, London on Friday, December 4 and features some of the biggest
names in the division, including former World, European and British
Champions.
Ex WBA World Champion Gavin Rees is among the eight, as are Ted Bami,
Jason Cook and Colin Lynes, who have all held European belts.
Former British title holders David Barnes, Barry Morrison and Young
Mutley will also be vying for the £32,000 winner’s prize, while either
Grant or Williams will complete a strong line-up.
"I think Prizefighter is the best thing in boxing," said Barnes.
"Winning this will get my career back on track and I'm looking forward
to it."
Mutley added: "It's going to be a war from the first round to the last."
Tickets cost £40 (unreserved) and £80 (reserved) and are available from
See Tickets on 0870 903 9033, www.seetickets.com or from Matchroom Sport
on 01277 359900.
BARRY HEARN GIVES HIS VERDICT ON THE SEVEN CONFIRMED FIGHTERS
Ted Bami (Brixton, London)
"The Barber from Brixton can knock opponents out with either hand but
can be caught a bit open so you know you're in for a slug-fest when Ted
appears in the ring.
"He has the ability and is hungry but, in this company, will need to
bring his best punching power on the night."
David Barnes (Manchester)
"He is one of the tournament favourites. He has got it all - power,
skill and movement and I know he is hungry to be the next Prizefighter
Champion. He is right up there with every chance but has to get out of
the blocks quickly.
"If you lose the first round in Prizefighter then you've got a mountain
to climb."
Jason Cook (Maesteg, Wales)
"Back from a lengthy lay-off, he has the power to knock any
light-welterweight spark out but there has to be a question about his
ring-rustiness.
"Can he motivate himself to bring his A game? If he can and be at his
best then he is a real danger."
Colin Lynes (Hornchurch, Essex)
"Colin is one of the best ring stylists in the country with a deceptive
amount of power.
"He has to start quickly as you don't get much chance in Prizefighter
but when it comes to heart, passion and desire, he will not be found
wanting."
Barry Morrison (Motherwell)
"Barry is a former British Champion that has been in some real wars but
knows what he has to do to win Prizefighter.
"He has the power to win this but again he can be hit too easily
sometimes if his mind is not on the job."
Young Mutley (West Bromwich, West Midlands)
"He is a devastating puncher who can also be hit but one thing about
Young Mutley is he's never in a boring fight.
"He gives 100 per cent every second of every round but can walk on to
shots, which can be his undoing.
"He's probably the most exciting fighter in Prizefighter and one way or
the other Young Mutley fight's do not go the distance."
Gavin Rees (Newbridge, Wales)
"He is a former WBA Champion so that says it all. With his pedigree he
should be the favourite to win Prizefighter but we all know what has
happened to previous favourites in Prizefighter before.
"For Gavin this is a chance to bounce right back to the big-time and is
probably my favourite to win as well."
"With the Scottish fraternity he's the favourite to win and they've been
good judges in the past."
