Matchroom Boxing: Young Mutley Resting Comeback Hopes On Prizefighter
© Lawrence Lustig
Former British Champion Young Mutley believes his boxing future is on the line in next week’s Prizefighter Light Welterweights.
Mutley, 33, has seen his career go backwards in the last two years after he lost to Colin Lynes in July 2007 with the British and European belts up for grabs.
Another setback last month, when he was knocked out inside three rounds by Frenchman Mihaita Mutu, has left Mutley needing a big performance in Prizefighter.
“My career is at a low but Prizefighter is what I need to get me back up there,” admitted Mutley, who has won 26 out of 30 professional contests.
“I would have to think long and hard about retiring if I didn’t do well but this is a great opportunity and a lifeline for me.
“I’m learning in every fight but people haven’t seen the best of me yet.
“At Prizefighter you will see more combinations from me, me hitting harder than ever, more speed and me moving my legs more instead of being flat-footed.
“I’m excited about it and if I feel alright on the night then there will be problems for the others.
“Prizefighter is just my thing as you can be explosive from round one. It suits my style perfectly as I like to mix it up and go for it right from the start.”
Prizefighter Light-Welterweights takes place at the National Hall, Olympia, London on Friday, December 4 and the fast-paced, one-night tournament features a number of former World, European and British Champions.
Each fight lasts a maximum of three rounds and the last man standing wins £32,000 and receives a major boost to their careers.
The draw, made by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jnr, pits Mutley against talented Welsh youngster Barrie Jones, while Mutley could face Lynes again in the semi-finals.
“It would be good to get some revenge over Lynes and get him back for that defeat,” added West Bromwich-based Mutley.
“He boxed my head off when we last fought but I was weight-drained. I could see the punches coming but couldn’t move out the way as I had nothing left.
“I would like to get to the final and fight (former WBA World Champion) Gavin Rees in the final. Gavin’s a good fighter and I respect him – that’s why I want to fight him.
“But I know I would beat him as I’m a lot bigger, stronger, faster and hit harder than him. I have all the tools to beat anybody.”
Prizefighter Light-Welterweights 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. All the action will also be screened live on Sky Sports 1.