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© Lawrence Lustig
Colin Lynes may look a bit bleary-eyed in next month’s Prizefighter but he will have a good excuse.
His wife Kelly is due to give birth just days before Colin will be taking part in Barry Hearn’s latest Prizefighter event, the first ever light-welterweights competition.
“The baby is due in the last week of November so you can bet your bottom dollar that it will be the day before Prizefighter,” said Lynes, a former British and European Champion.
“But we will get around it and I’ll be there at the birth no matter what. But it’s not a distraction to me at all. I’m a family man and would be unhappy if I was away from it all.
“It will spur me on and give me that added bit of spice and an extra edge as I’ve got to win as the family is getting bigger.”
Colin and Kelly Lynes have already got one daughter – 12-year-old Cortney – and will be hoping Essex-based Lynes shines on December 4 to win the £32,000 top prize.
Prizefighter Light Welterweights sees the strongest line-up so far in the history of the eight-man, one-night format, although Lynes is confident of glory.
“I’m going to win it; Definitely,” said Lynes, who has won 31 of 37 contests but lost his last three. “I know what I’ve got, what I’m capable of and I’m doing it in the gym.
“I’m always looking forward and not happy with what I’ve done in the past and it’s the best Prizefighter line-up with former World, European and British Champions in it.
“This event brings together some of the best fighters in the division with no dodging or politics so I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’ve been a bit unlucky in a few of my recent fights and split decisions when abroad (against Gianluca Branco in May 2008 and Souleymane M’Baye in July 2009) in effect means you’ve won. They were setbacks but I will always go abroad – I never dodge a challenge.
“I see myself winning this Prizefighter, having another title shot and getting right back up there.”
Prizefighter Light-Welterweights takes place at the National Hall, Olympia in London with a crowd of more than 3,000 expected to attend.
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.
The full list of competitors is: Ted Bami (Brixton, London), David Barnes (Manchester), Jason Cook (Maesteg, Wales), Michael Grant (Tottenham, London), Colin Lynes (Hornchurch, Essex), Barry Morrison (Motherwell, Scotland), Young Mutley (West Bromwich, West Midlands), Gavin Rees (Newbridge, Wales).
