Matchroom Boxing: Prizefighter Light Welterweights Launched

© Lawrence Lustig

Next month’s English Light-Welterweight Championship contest between Michael Grant and Steve Williams could lead to the winner securing a Prizefighter spot.

Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn will invite the winner of the clash on November 6, which will be held in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland on the undercard of Paul McCloskey’s clash with Souleymane M’baye for the European title, into December’s Prizefighter Light-Welterweights.

A press conference to launch the latest event in The Prizefighter Series was held at the Hilton Olympia in Kensington, London, earlier today.

Hearn revealed that Colchester-based fighter Lee Purdy, the current Southern Area Champion, has withdrawn due to an injury sustained in training.

His place could now be taken by either Londoner Grant or Liverpool’s Steve Williams and Hearn believes it will be great extra motivation for both men.

“With seven top established boxing champions already committed to Prizefighter Light-Welterweights, it’s a real opportunity for either Michael Grant or Steve Williams to be included in such a prestigious line-up,” said Hearn.

“Of course Michael and Steve are contesting the English title on Friday, November 6 but the added attraction of the winner getting into Prizefighter is a big carrot to dangle in front of both fighters.

“The secret of Prizefighter has always been the mixture of fighters and their styles and a mixture of past and future champions.

“December 4th at the National Hall Olympia is no exception to the high standard that we’ve already seen. You just have to look at the names and the memorable fights they’ve been in to know it will be another great night of boxing Prizefighter style.

“Favourites haven’t fared too well at Prizefighters and sometimes, just sometimes, a young ambitious fighter can become a superhero on the night. Let’s wish all the fighters the best of luck.

“The boxing fans will be watching the type of entertainment that boxing has been crying out for years.”

Prizefighter Light-Welterweights takes place at the National Hall, Olympia, London on Friday, December 4 and features some of the biggest names in the division, including former World, European and British Champions.

Ex WBA World Champion Gavin Rees is among the eight, as are Ted Bami, Jason Cook and Colin Lynes, who have all held European belts.

Former British title holders David Barnes, Barry Morrison and Young Mutley will also be vying for the £32,000 winner’s prize, while either Grant or Williams will complete a strong line-up.

“I think Prizefighter is the best thing in boxing,” said Barnes. “Winning this will get my career back on track and I’m looking forward to it.”

Mutley added: “It’s going to be a war from the first round to the last.”

Tickets cost £40 (unreserved) and £80 (reserved) and are available from See Tickets on 0870 903 9033, www.seetickets.com or from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.

Promoter Barry Hearn weighed in on each of the contestants:

Ted Bami (Brixton, London)
“The Barber from Brixton can knock opponents out with either hand but can be caught a bit open so you know you’re in for a slug-fest when Ted appears in the ring.

“He has the ability and is hungry but, in this company, will need to bring his best punching power on the night.”

David Barnes (Manchester)
“He is one of the tournament favourites. He has got it all – power, skill and movement and I know he is hungry to be the next Prizefighter Champion. He is right up there with every chance but has to get out of the blocks quickly.

“If you lose the first round in Prizefighter then you’ve got a mountain to climb.”

Jason Cook (Maesteg, Wales)
“Back from a lengthy lay-off, he has the power to knock any light-welterweight spark out but there has to be a question about his ring-rustiness.

“Can he motivate himself to bring his A game? If he can and be at his best then he is a real danger.”

Colin Lynes (Hornchurch, Essex)
“Colin is one of the best ring stylists in the country with a deceptive amount of power.

“He has to start quickly as you don’t get much chance in Prizefighter but when it comes to heart, passion and desire, he will not be found wanting.”

Barry Morrison (Motherwell)
“Barry is a former British Champion that has been in some real wars but knows what he has to do to win Prizefighter.

“He has the power to win this but again he can be hit too easily sometimes if his mind is not on the job.”

Young Mutley (West Bromwich, West Midlands)
“He is a devastating puncher who can also be hit but one thing about Young Mutley is he’s never in a boring fight.

“He gives 100 per cent every second of every round but can walk on to shots, which can be his undoing.

“He’s probably the most exciting fighter in Prizefighter and one way or the other Young Mutley fight’s do not go the distance.”

Gavin Rees (Newbridge, Wales)
“He is a former WBA Champion so that says it all. With his pedigree he should be the favourite to win Prizefighter but we all know what has happened to previous favourites in Prizefighter before.

“For Gavin this is a chance to bounce right back to the big-time and is probably my favourite to win as well.”

“With the Scottish fraternity he’s the favourite to win and they’ve been good judges in the past.”