Matchroom Boxing: Light Heavyweight “Prizefighter” Hits York Hall February 20

The “Prizefighter” boxing series returns next month – and this time the light heavyweights get their chance to shine. This will be the fifth Prizefighter event and the thrilling format of three round contests has captured the public’s imagination.

Once again, the historic York Hall in Bethnal Green, London, is expected to be sold out on Friday, February 20 with all the action screened live on Sky Sports 1.

The eight-man line-up includes Tony Oakey, who has previously held the British, WBU and Commonwealth titles, and three undefeated fighters.

There will be four quarter-finals, two semi-finals and a final all in one action-packed three hours with the last man standing collecting the £25,000 top prize.

Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn believes February 20 could see the best Prizefighter tournament yet.

“This Prizefighter Series gets better and better,” said Hearn. “The boxers know what they need to do and the spectators know they’re going to have a fabulous night’s entertainment.

“I’m excited that another Prizefighter evening is soon to be on us. When I look at the fighters involved I’m sure we’re heading for another tremendous evening.

“Once again we’ve put together eight fighters that will give 100 per cent and test each other to the limits.

“With three of the boxers being undefeated and experienced campaigners like Tony Oakey involved, we know we’re going to be in for a spectacular evening of fight action.

“Roll on York Hall and roll on February 20 – my ticket is booked already.”

There have already been two Prizefighter tournaments at heavyweight with further events also at welterweight and middleweight. A Prizefighter competition at lightweight is also scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 24.

A good performance in Prizefighter can change a boxer’s life. Martin Rogan, the winner of Prizefighter Heavyweights 1, was struggling to find fights and was close to hanging up his gloves before taking part in the inaugural competition.

Now, after successfully winning Prizefighter in April, he has since beaten former Olympic Games Gold Medallist Audley Harrison and next meets Matt Skelton for the Commonwealth Heavyweight Championship in February.

As in previous Prizefighter tournaments, two reserves – Ovill McKenzie and Ryan Walls – will be on standby and ready to step in if a victorious fighter is unable to fight in the next round due to an injury or cut.

Tickets cost £30 (unreserved) and £60 (ringside) and are available by calling Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.

The eight contenders

Name: Bob Ajisafe
Age: 23
Home town: Darlington
Professional record: 6-0 (2)
Achievement: Undefeated.

Name: Billy Boyle
Age: 32
Home town: Sheffield
Professional record: 11-0 (7)
Achievement: WSO International Champion, undefeated

Name: Shon Davies
Age: 22
Home town: Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales.
Professional record: 7-2 (3)
Achievement: Welsh Area Champion

Name: Carl Dilks
Age: 25
Home town: Liverpool
Professional record: 8-0 (3)
Achievement: Undefeated

Name: Courtney Fry
Age: 33
Home town: Liverpool
Professional record: 12-1 (5)
Achievement: Never been stopped.

Name: Tony Oakey
Age: 33
Home town: Havant, Hampshire
Professional record: 25-4-1 (7)
Achievement: Former British, former WBU, former Commonwealth champion.

Name: Steve Spartacus
Age: 32
Home town: Ipswich, Suffolk
Professional record: 19-5 (11)
Achievement: Fought for British title, former English champion.

Name: Darren Stubbs
Age: 37
Home town: Oldham, Lancashire
Professional record: 17-4 (7)
Achievement: British Masters Champion.

Reserves

Name: Ovill McKenzie
Age: 29
Home town: Derby
Professional record: 14-8 (5)
Achievement: Former Commonwealth Champion.

Name: Ryan Walls
Age: 29
Home town: Slough, Berkshire
Professional record: 14-6 (4)
Achievement: Former WBF International Champion and former Southern Area Champion (both at super-middleweight)