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| Sprott Looking to win another Prizefighter Trophy |
Michael Sprott will be British boxing’s hope in this weekends Prizefighter International Heavyweights tournament at London’s Alexandra Palace when the Reading man will be aiming to win back-to-back titles in the one night knockout 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 will take on towering American Tye Fields in the first round of Prizefighter International Heavyweights.
The sole Briton in the field was pitted against the 6ft 8in giant in the bottom half of the draw when Joe Calzaghe pulled the names out of the hat on Ringside.
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.
Sprott against Matt Skelton in the last Prizefighter final
“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. They’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.”
Interview with Michael Sprott by our friends at iFilm London
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.
The Full Prizefighter Draw for the opening quarter final fights including odds
Quarter Final 1 – 1/4 Mike Perez v Kerston Maxwell 11/4
Quarter Final 2 – 1/2 Gregory Tony v Evgeny Orlov 6/4
Quarter Final 3 – 8/11 Michael Sprott v Tye Fields Evens
Quarter Final 4 – 5/6 Lucian Bot v Konstantin Airich 5/6
Michael Sprott and Tye Fields Interview on Ringside
Prizefighter International Heavyweights LIVE on the Internet – www.liveprizefighter.tv is the official live video stream for the event and will be available outside the UK from 9pm GMT on Saturday night.
live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1 from 9pm – and with huge interest in all four corners of the globe, an online stream will allow fans outside the UK to see the action.
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. – www.prizefighter.co.uk – www.matchroomsport.com
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