Prizefighter International Heavyweight Tops Sky TV Ratings

Prizefighter International Heavyweights was a huge ratings success on Saturday night – becoming the highest rating Boxing show of 2011.

Matchroom Sport’s ambitious edition of the ground breaking show paid off as eight fighters from eight different countries wowed the audience both in Alexandra Palace and live on Sky Sports HD, as Irish-based Cuban Mike Perez became the first fighter to be crowned as an International Prizefighter King and is now a major player in the Heavyweight scene.

“I’m delighted with the viewing figures that make us the highest rating show on Sky Sports this year,” said Eddie Hearn, managing director of Matchroom Sport. “Staging the International Heavyweights was a bold move and hard work to put together, but the reception if has received is proof that it was the right decision and the hard work paid off.”

The next edition of Prizefighter – the 19th instalment of Matchroom Sport’s ground breaking format – will take place at York Hall, Bethnal Green, as the second Welterweight crown goes up for grabs.

The line-up is led by Junior Witter and Colin Lynes – two former World Champions who have fought in the same venue before, with Witter prevailing to retain his British, European and Commonwealth titles.

It’s another high-class field for them to combat though, as former British champion Kevin McIntyre, unbeaten prospects John Wayne Hibbert (Essex) and Bobby Gladman (Cheshunt), popular north London-based Moroccan Yassine El Maachi, Bermondsey’s former Irish champion Peter McDonagh and Aylesbury’s Nathan Graham all complete for the title.

Tickets for Prizefighter Welterweights II at York Hall, Bethnal Green in east London are available from Matchroom Sport priced £35 unreserved, £60 ringside and £100 VIP – to buy call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.