Matchroom Boxing: “Dark Horse” Turley Primed For All Welsh Prizefighter Final

Three Welsh boxers are in the line-up for Saturday’s Prizefighter Super Bantamweights at York Hall in Bethnal Green, east London – and Robbie Turley believes the trophy will be heading to the Valleys at the end of the night.

Newport fighter Turley faces Commonwealth gold medallist Jamie Arthur in an all-Welsh quarter-final, and if unbeaten Swansea man Ricky Owen beats Gavin Reid in their quarter-final, there will definitely be a Welshman in the final.

Newbridge’s Gavin Rees claimed the Prizefighter Light Welterweight title in December and the draw made by darts legend Phil “The Power” Taylor has certainly increased the chances of a Welshman claiming the £32,000 winner’s cheque live on Sky Sports.

“Jamie Arthur has sparred with me a lot and we’ve fought on the same Newport bills – he’s even commentated on my fights!” said Turley. “It’s a bit strange as we’re friends but it’s a business at the end of the day and we all want to win regardless of who we fight.

“There are three good Welsh boxers in the mix and we’ve got a really good chance to win it. I’m definitely the dark horse in the line-up – I was a top amateur and that pedigree is going to help me out. It’s a new weight for me coming down from featherweight but I believe that this is my weight and I’ve come here to win.”

It will be the first time that Turley has fought outside of Wales, registering seven wins and two defeats from his nine fights as a professional. Making his debut at York Hall will be no problem for the 23 year-old, as he has a clear idea of the strategy that is needed to win Prizefighter.

“I believe the most skilled fighter will win on the night. It’s not about who is the biggest or the bravest,” said Turley. “Bravery can win you a 10 or 12 round fight where you can wear people down but you cannot get worn down over three rounds, Prizefighter is down to skill, speed and accuracy and I’ve got all those ingredients. A win would mean everything to me, a great start to look forward and with a good bank balance too.”

Turley’s desire for victory comes also has roots in his amateur days where he cut his teeth alongside another of Wales’ rising stars.

“I went to the same amateur gym as Nathan Cleverly and until a few months ago he lived about 20 doors from me,” said Turley. “He was my sparring partner for year, we were the youngest members of the senior Welsh squad too – it was great fun, and seeing what he’s achieved only spurs me on more.”

Tickets for Prizefighter Super-Bantamweights are available now at £35 (unreserved), £60 (ringside) and £100 (VIP) – call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.

The weigh-in for Prizefighter Super Bantamweights takes place at the Crowne Plaza London Hotel in Shoreditch at 2pm on Friday May 28.