Boxing News Boxing News
Michael Sprott will fly the flag for Britain in the Prizefighter International Heavyweights on May 7 at London’s Alexandra Palace, aiming for back-to-back titles in the series.
The 36 year-old is the current UK Prizefighter Heavyweight Champion after lifting the trophy in October but has found opportunities to kick on in his career limited, with just one four-rounder since that night at York Hall.
Now Sprott is ready to take on the 18th edition of Matchroom Sport’s eight-man, one-night tournaments in an attempt to get back into major title contention – returning to the venue where his European title dreams were dashed by Audley Harrison’s final round knockout last April.
Sprott and trainer Jim Evans decided that another crack at Prizefighter was the best way for him to get back into the mix, even though the sole Brit in the line-up so far is less than impressed with the Heavyweights in the UK at the moment.
“It’s kind of dry out there at the moment, there’s very little happening in the UK Heavyweight scene,” said Sprott. “It’s a bit frustrating but I do fight a lot over in Germany so I don’t really worry about my place here, I just get on with winning across Europe.
“I was talking to Jim about what will happen next and then the International Prizefighter came around and we decided that I’ve got nothing to lose so why not go for it. There’ll be no surprises for me on the night, it’s a good line up so far but I’ve been here before and claimed the title so I know what is needed.
“I’m definitely ready to fly the flag for Britain, it’s going to be great mixing it with all the other countries, it adds a different twist to the night and I want to come out on top.”
Sprott’s last outing was in Germany on the undercard of Vitali Klitschko’s first round win over Odlanier Solis, with the Englishman claiming a unanimous decision over Turkish southpaw Serdar Uysal.
“I hadn’t boxed since winning Prizefighter so I just had to get rid of a bit of ring rust,” said Sprott. “Some of my timing was a bit off but I did what I had to do to win and he was there just to survive, tucking up, holding on and running around the ring. I had sparred with Vitali for three weeks beforehand and also with Luan Krasniqi so I’ve got some good work under my belt already.
“I was hoping to get a big shot after winning the last Prizefighter I was in, but people avoided me. I know that if I win this Prizefighter with these big names in the line up then surely I won’t be denied.”
Joining Sprott in the International Heavyweights are New Jersey’s Kevin ‘Kingpin’ Johnson who boasts 24 victories and just one defeat, a points loss to Vitali Klitschko in a WBC title challenge in December 2009, unbeaten Irish-based Cuban Mike ‘The Rebel’ Perez, who holds ten knockout victories from 13 fights, all inside three rounds, and big-hitting German Konstantin Airich, who holds 13 knockouts from 16 wins and is remembered for a crazy fight with Danny Williams in May 2008.
Further names are expected to be added soon as promoters Matchroom Sport promise an explosive night of action with a multi-national flavour.
Tickets for Prizefighter International Heavyweights at London’s Alexandra Palace on Saturday 7 May are available from Matchroom Sport priced £35 unreserved, £50 and £60 ringside and £120 VIP – to buy call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.
