(NOV 27) Young Mutley believes his boxing
future is on the line in next week's Prizefighter Light-Welterweights.
Mutley, 33, has seen his career go backwards in the last two years after
he lost to Colin Lynes in July 2007 with the British and European belts
up for grabs. Another setback last month, when he was knocked out
inside three rounds by Frenchman Mihaita Mutu, has left Mutley needing a
big performance in Prizefighter.
Mutley said, "My career is at a low but Prizefighter is what I need to
get me back up there," admitted Mutley, who has won 26 out of 30
professional contests. I would have to think long and hard about
retiring if I didn't do well but this is a great opportunity and a
lifeline for me.I'm learning in every fight but people haven't seen the
best of me yet."
Mutley added, "At Prizefighter you will see more combinations from me,
me hitting harder than ever, more speed and me moving my legs more
instead of being flat-footed. I'm excited about it and if I feel alright
on the night then there will be problems for the others.
Prizefighter is just my thing as you can be explosive from round one. It
suits my style perfectly as I like to mix it up and go for it right from
the start."
Prizefighter Light-Welterweights takes place at the National Hall,
Olympia, London on Friday, December 4 and the fast-paced, one-night
tournament features a number of former World, European and British
Champions.
Each fight lasts a maximum of three rounds and the last man standing
wins £32,000 and receives a major boost to their careers.
The draw, made by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jnr, pits Mutley
against talented Welsh youngster Barrie Jones, while Mutley could face
Lynes again in the semi-finals.
"It would be good to get some revenge over Lynes and get him back for
that defeat," added West Bromwich-based Mutley.
"He boxed my head off when we last fought but I was weight-drained. I
could see the punches coming but couldn't move out the way as I had
nothing left.
"I would like to get to the final and fight (former WBA World Champion)
Gavin Rees in the final. Gavin's a good fighter and I respect him -
that's why I want to fight him.
"But I know I would beat him as I'm a lot bigger, stronger, faster and
hit harder than him. I have all the tools to beat anybody."
Prizefighter Light-Welterweights
Friday, December 4
Quarter-final draw
1. Michael Grant (Tottenham, London) v Jason Cook (Maesteg, Wales)
2. Ted Bami (Brixton, London) v Gavin Rees (Newbridge, Wales)
3. Colin Lynes (Hornchurch, Essex) v David Barnes (Manchester)
4. Young Mutley (West Bromwich) v Barrie Jones (Ferndale, Wales)
Semi-final draw
1. Michael Grant or Jason Cook v Ted Bami or Gavin Rees
2. Colin Lynes or David Barnes v Young Mutley or Barrie Jones
