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Prizefighter Super Bantamweights is just one day away at York Hall, Bethnal Green – and Jamie Arthur believes that the winner could be one step away from a British title shot.
The former Commonwealth gold medallist steps into the ring in Barry Hearn’s latest eight-man, one night tournament for the first time since losing a British featherweight title fight against Martin Lindsay in March. The 30 year-old will face fellow countryman Robbie Turley in the quarter-finals and knows
“I took some time out to contemplate my future after the Lindsay fight then last Sunday I took the call to do Prizefighter, so I haven’t been doing a lot of training,” Arthur told Steve Bunce’s BBC Radio London’s Boxing Hour.
“But I’m a fit guy so it’s not been a problem. My trainer Darren Wilson had Jason Cook in Prizefighter and Gavin Rees also trains in the same gym so I’ve spoke to them but I know the format and I know it’s perfect for me. It’s fast and furious over short rounds but I learnt how to deal with that at the Commonwealth Games.”
Arthur told Bunce that the £32,000 winner’s cheque would certainly help the bank balance but victory live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1 from 9pm could open the door to a title fight.
“The British super-bantamweight title will be vacant soon, Matthew Marsh will be the number one contender and maybe the winner of this can fight him for the title – that would be amazing,” said Arthur.
“Boxers have to fight to make ends meet so financially this is a great opportunity but it’s the title opportunities that I’m after.”
Saturday’s action will be the twelfth edition of the ground-breaking boxing show, and the man behind the entertainment also spoke to Bunce about how Saturday’s eight hopefuls can look to a previous winner for inspiration.
“Picture the scene – a man comes back from Olympics with gold medal as a national hero, signs big contract and stinks the place out several times,” said Hearn, who confirmed that the next Prizefighter will take place on June 30 at super-middleweight.
“Too much to say for himself, manages his own affairs and doesn’t fight – everyone tries but it’s destined never to happen for him and he’s done… but then along comes Prizefighter and now Audley Harrison is hot property again and on the verge of a World title shot – that’s what this event can do.”
Tickets for Prizefighter Super-Bantamweights are available now at £35 (unreserved), £60 (ringside) and £100 (VIP) – call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.
The weigh-in for Prizefighter Super Bantamweights takes place at the Crowne Plaza London Hotel in Shoreditch at 2pm on Friday May 28.
