Click for larger image © Lawrence Lustig
Barry Hearn’s Prizefighter returns next month and the latest competition promises to be the best yet.
Eight cruiserweights will be battling for the £25,000 top prize in the thrilling all-in-one-night tournament, which will be held at the Earls Court, London, on Tuesday, May 19.
The contenders have between them won two European belts, four Commonwealth championships and six British titles in the strongest looking line-up so far.
A press conference was held on the HMS Belfast on the River Thames and Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn is expecting fireworks next month.
“There are a lot of big names in this and I’ve enjoyed watching these guys careers over the last five, ten and 15 years," said Hearn, who has promoted more than 500 boxing shows.
“Boxing in some ways has lost its way and gone a bit stale. Prizefighter tries to turn the situation around by making it very easy to understand. Eight great fighters, eight former champions coming together for seven fights in one night.
“One thing about Prizefighter is it’s exciting these guys get in there and are going to be doing a job we would all like to do – but it’s the loneliest job in the world.
“I’ve not seen a bad Prizefighter fight. I’ve seen one or two fighters try to nick it and get beaten but never a bad fight.
“This is basic entertainment boxing and bringing in a crowd that normally goes to boxing. It’s a cross between professional boxing, UFC, a little bit of the contender thrown in and a bit of 20/20 -it's all action.
"Each one of these fighters is a main event fighter and the crowd at the Earls Court are going to be entertained. When the bell goes it's going to be carnage because they don't know any other way.
"I'm proud to think that millions of people around the world and the thousands of people at the venue will enjoy a great night's entertainment. Everyone that bags a ticket will get value for money.
"I thought the first Prizefighter Heavyweights was always going to be a cracker but this promises to be even better.
"Everyone is a puncher and that's what makes Prizefighter interesting so these guys pick themselves.
"I think this will be pound-for-pound the best Prizefighter show we've ever done and I'm excited about this like never before."
Bruce Scott stirred things up at the press conference by reminding everyone he had already beaten two of the other contenders and was ready to do the same with whoever was put in front of him. He then wound up Terry Dunstan by suggesting Scott's 'daughter can hit harder than him'.
Former European Champion Dean Francis believes he can win Prizefighter and go on to complete a career ambition.
"For me this is a last-ditch attempt to fulfill my dream of winning a world title," added Francis.
"I'm going in there to beat everyone. If Bruce Scott thinks he will beat me then he has got another thing coming. I'm a cruiserweight but a lot of these guys are heavyweights having to lose the weight.
Micky Steeds, who has fought for the British title at cruiserweight and heavyweight said: "It's a good competition and you can see that by the names in it. If you go all the way you can get three good names on your record all in one night, and that may normally take a couple of years.
"It's fast and furious but I'm the youngest and prettiest here."
John Keaton, who will be celebrating his birthday on the day of Prizefighter, added: "It's absolutely fantastic and I'm proud to be in it. There are a lot of old faces who have done a lot of damage in the past to me.
"But it's an honour to have this opportunity of boxing in Prizefighter. This gives everyone a boost to their careers."
Tickets cost £25 (unreserved) and £50 (reserved, ringside) and are available by calling 0870 264 3333 or 01277 359900.
The eight competitors are
Name: Darren Corbett
Age: 36
Home town: Belfast
Professional record: 27-4-1 (16)
Achievement: Former Commonwealth and Irish Champion
Name: Terry Dunstan
Age: 40
Home town: Vauxhall, London
Professional record: 20-2 (12)
Achievement: Former European, British Champion
Name: Dean Francis
Age: 35
Home town: Basingstoke
Professional record: 30-3-1 (24)
Achievement: Former European, British and Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Champion
Name: John Keaton
Age: 36
Home town: Sheffield
Professional record: 26-16 (17)
Achievement: Former British Champion
Name: Mark Krence
Age: 32
Home town: Chesterfield.
Professional record: 23-6 (6)
Achievement: Former English Champion, fought for British Championship.
Name: Bruce Scott
Age: 39
Home town: Hackney.
Professional record: 27-9 (18)
Achievement: Ex-British, Commonwealth Champion, fought for WBC/WBO world title
Name: Neil Simpson
Age: 38
Home town: Coventry
Professional record: 28-18-1 (11)
Achievement: Ex-British, Commonwealth Light Heavyweight Champion
Name: Micky Steeds.
Age: 25.
Home town: Isle of Dogs, London.
Professional record: 12-4 (3)
Achievement: Fought for British title at heavyweight and cruiserweight
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