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© Lawrence Lustig
Former heavyweight Micky Steeds is the heaviest contender in Barry Hearn’s next all-in-one-night Prizefighter tournament.
Eight cruiserweights will be competing in the knockout event tonight at the Earl’s Court in London where the last man standing earns £25,000.
Steeds, who has fought for the British title at cruiserweight and heavyweight, tipped the scales at 14st 5lb 11oz [201.75 pounds], nearly a stone heavier than the lightest man in the competition – Ovill McKenzie at 13st 5lb 13oz [187.75 pounds].
Bookmakers Sky Bet have installed Dean Francis as the favourite, while former IBF world title challenger Terry Dunstan, who has fought only once in nine years after serving a prison sentence, is second favourite.
“I’m very confident in myself so I think I should be one of the favourites,” said Londoner Dunstan. “A lot of people are judging me on the time that I was out but I’ve always been training and I’m in a very good condition. How many 40 year olds can run a five-minute mile?
“I was wild, young and carefree but as you get older you get wiser and I’m more focused than when I went inside.
“I had two losses before I went in and that’s where I went off the road. I had no focus but now I’ve got focus and Prizefighter has given me a little bit of a future.
“The best of me is still to come and Prizefighter is a stepping stone.
“I’m what you call the English Bernard Hopkins and I hope to push my career out and probably hang up my gloves when I’m 45.
“It will be like taking candy from a baby – but they’re big babies and have tattoos!
“It’s only three rounds so let’s rock and roll. I’m looking forward to it.”
Four quarter-finals, two semi-finals and a final will be staged inside an action-packed three hours, with each contest lasting no more than three rounds.
The eight men in Prizefighter Cruiserweights have all previously held or fought for either a European, Commonwealth or British title so the competition will be fierce.
Whoever wins Prizefighter Cruiserweights will pocket £25,000, the runner-up goes home with £12,000, losing semi-finalists earn £8,000 with those defeated in the quarter-finals collecting £4,000.
The full list of contenders is: Darren Corbett (Belfast), Terry Dunstan (Vauxhall, London), Dean Francis (Basingstoke / Finchley), John Keeton (Sheffield), Ovill McKenzie (Derby), Bruce Scott (Hackney), Neil Simpson (Coventry) and Micky Steeds (Isle of Dogs, London).
Tickets cost £25 (unreserved) and £50 (reserved) and are available by calling 0870 903 9033 (24-hours), online at www.seetickets.com or from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900. The whole show will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports 1 from 8pm.
For more information about The Prizefighter Series, please visit www.matchroomsport.com/boxing or www.theprizefighterseries.com
Weights
Ovill McKenzie: 13st 5lb 13oz.
Dean Francis: 13st 12lb 2oz.
Darren Corbett 14st 1 1/2lb.
Bruce Scott: 14st 1lb 11oz
Neil Simpson: 14st 4lb.
Terry Dunstan: 14st 4lb 5oz.
John Keeton: 14st 5lb.
Micky Steeds: 14st 5lb 11oz.
