Boxing News Boxing News
© Gianluca (Rio) Di Caro
The southern area seismic centres are going to have to shut down this coming Tuesday as former WBU International, Commonwealth and British Cruiserweight Champion Bruce ‘Lionheart’ Scott learned that his first opponent in the Prizefighter Cruiserweight tournament is Sheffield’s John ‘Buster’ Keeton.
Hackney, London, based Jamaican Scott has predicted an earth shaking knockout of his former foe at Earl’s Court Arena in West London on May 19.
Scott, who is returning to the ring after a three year sabbatical from the sport, has been taking his preparations for the tournament very seriously.
In addition to securing the services of one of London’s top boxing coaches, John Rooney Jr of the famed Gleason’s Gym London, ‘Lionheart’ has also been sparring with some of the UK’s top
fighters including current British Heavyweight Champion Danny ‘The Brixton Bomber’ Williams, best known as the man that knocked out ‘Iron’ Mike Tyson.
When recently asked if he thought that being three years out of the ring may put him at a disadvantage, Jamaica’s favourite son answered, “First of all, I think the layoff has been good for me as I’ve had a good rest, no stress, nobody around me stressing me going boxing, boxing, boxing.
“I just kick around and spend time with my kids and family. I’ve boxed for the world championship three times, I think that was good for me. If I win this Prizefighter tournament, I’ll get a shot at the British title again.
“I’ll get to fight Rob Martin and knock him out and then get to fight for a world championship again. It’ll be great if I win that. It’ll be magic”
Like Scott, Keeton is a former multi-title holder. During his near sixteen year professional career, ‘Buster’ has held the British, World Boxing Foundation, World Boxing Federation Cruiserweight and WBO Inter-Continental titles.
This will be the third time that Scott and Keeton have locked horns in battle. In their first meeting, at the York Hall in Bethnal Green in December 1994, Scott knocked Keeton out in the second round.
Almost six years to the day later, they were to face each other again, this time in Keeton’s own back yard at the Sheffield Arena on December 16, 2000, in a British Cruiserweight title fight.
After six rounds of brutal toe to toe combat, Scott again finished off Keeton with a devastating knockout punch.
On being drawn to face his old foe, Scott said, “Ah, Buster, bless him. I knocked him out cold already, twice. Then again, maybe third time lucky? Nah, It will be third time lucky for me. I’m in good shape and intend to knock out old Buster again.
“I want to knock them all out. Anybody come in the ring with me. I’m gonna knock them out. I’m gonna let them know Bruce Scott is back. Then I’m going for the British Championship and knock Rob Norton out as well.”
Should Scott make this a a hat trick win over Keeton, he will then progress to the semifinal, later that evening, to face one of the other successful quarterfinalists.
The Prizefighter series is a knockout boxing tournament created by boxing promoter Barry Hearn and aired on Sky Sports.
The format has an initial eight fighters compete in four quarterfinals with the chance of fighting
their way into a final fight for a chance to win a main prize of £25,000.
All contests take place on the same evening and consist of 3 x 3 minute rounds.
Take note now so you don’t kick yourself afterward. Prizefighter 7: The Cruiserweights is a don’t miss event and will be held at Earl’s Court Arena in West London on Tuesday, May 19, 2009.
Tickets cost £25 (unreserved) and £50 (reserved, ringside) and are available by calling 0870 264 3333 or 01277 359900.
