Prizefighter Super-Middleweights - June 30

[Wheelchair]

Hot on the heels of last week's cracking Prizefighter, Matchroom Sport can announce the line-up for the next event – Prizefighter Super-Middleweights at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Wednesday June 30.

 

Willie “Big Bang” Casey won the latest instalment of Barry Hearn’s eight-man, one night tournaments in the super-bantamweight division, and there’s a potential British title rematch on the cards in the 13th edition of the show between Merseyside pair Tony Dodson and Tony Quigley. Quigley knocked Dodson out in the final round of their British super-middleweight title fight in Liverpool last March and the duo could be drawn together, while Scotsman Stevie McGuire has also fought for the British title.

 

Local interest will come from Waltham Abbey’s former Repton amateur Daniel Cadman, with Sheffield’s Peter Federenko and Birmingham’s Eddie McIntosh are also in the line-up, gunning for the £32,000 prize live on Sky Sports.

 

For the first time in the tournament’s history, the eighth competitor will be chosen by fight fans through the official Prizefighter website, as Matchroom Sport’s Eddie Hearn explains.

 

“Prizefighter Super Bantamweights was without doubt the greatest Prizefighter yet – it was electric,” said Hearn. “As the format goes from strength to strength the Super-Middleweights have a tough act to follow but the line-up looks certain to provide plenty of drama. Boxing fans play such an important role in Prizefighter and for the first time, their feedback will determine our final selection into the June 30th event. Fans can visit http://www.prizefighter.co.uk and let us know who they most want to complete the line up.”

 

http://news.boxrec.com/news/2010/quigley-and-dodson-next-prizefighter-fans-decide-final-name

[WelshDevilRob]

You need to vote for the 8th contestant.

 

I have said to Bradley Pryce that we will back his Gym mate Jeff Evans.

 

Vote here for who you want to see as the 8th contestant

 

http://www.prizefighter.co.uk/home.htm

[Wheelchair]

Prizefighter can't afford James DeGale

 

While Prizefighter fans await the results of votes to select the eighth man in the super-middleweight tournament later this month, one fighter who won’t be taking part is James DeGale.

 

The Olympic gold medallist would probably be many punters pick but it’s not going to happen as his trainer Jim McDonnell explained after I put the suggestion to him.

 

“They couldn’t pay his training expenses. It’s just a cheap publicity stunt (asking fans to select a fighter) but it gets everyone talking about the tournament. James is the best super-middleweight in the world over three rounds. Why would he take less prize money?”

 

Prizefighter came up with the innovative idea which allows fans to select any super-middleweight of their choice and it’s not just DeGale who has a few votes as Matchroom's Director of Boxing John Wischhusen revealed.

 

“We have had names like Kelly Pavlik (former middleweight world champion) but all we can do is ask the boxers if they want to take part. James (DeGale) has (also) been asked but said he doesn’t want to go in for it.”

 

Names who have been mentioned though and are in the running include Scotsman Kenny Anderson (10-0) and Southern Area champion Tony Salem. DeGale’s great rival and Commonwealth champion George Groves has also been asked to compete but declined, although there is a possibility of the winner fighting him as a further bonus.

 

McDonnell also believes it wouldn’t be fair on the other fighters if DeGale was to enter.

 

“It’s impossible for anyone to get close, it would be a mismatch. James is a professional prizefighter and this would be a backward step.

 

“James will have the right fights at the right time. The money, the experience and the opponent has to be right James has to learn his trade. There is a lot more to come (from him) and only when he faces the likes of Andre Ward (WBA champion) and Matt Korobov (11-0) will we see the best of him.”

 

So no DeGale and no Groves but this Prizefighter is still a good line up and has enough to thrill a Wednesday night York Hall crowd and a Sky audience on the 30th June.

 

Six men confirmed so far are former British champions Tony Dodson and Tony Quigley, former British Masters champion Eddie Mcintosh, former Amateur champion Daniel Cadman with Sheffield’s Peter Federenko and Scotsman Steven McGuire all gunning for the £32,000 prize.

 

While I am not going to predict a winner just yet I think we could end up seeing both Anderson and Salem in the final eight.

 

Unless James changes his mind!

 

 

http://news.boxrec.com/news/2010/prizefighter-cant-afford-james-degale?

[Wheelchair]

James is the best super-middleweight in the world over three rounds.

 

Proof there I think of the fact that McDonnell's last fight was more damaging than we thought. What a stupid statement for him to make FFS, DeGale has proved nothing yet.

[iamasadlittleboy]

..whys this mid week?

[Wheelchair]

Haven't a clue.

[Wheelchair]

TONY DODSON reluctantly pulled out of Prizefighter this week after conceding defeat in a battle with the scales.

 

The former British champion insists that, at almost 14 stone, he’s never going to make the 12st 2lb limit for the knockout series – and revealed that he may struggle to ever get down again.

 

Speaking to Seconds Out yesterday, he said: “I was 13st 12 on Friday before a full session. I then did almost three hours on Saturday and an eight-mile run on Sunday while seriously watching my food intake. But on Monday I was a pound heavier!

 

“I think after 15 years of making 12st my body has finally given up so I’ve told the promoters to replace me in Prizefighter so they can get someone in quick as I don’t want to spoil the show.

 

“I’m gutted, especially as I’ve been dreaming of fighting Tony (Quigley) again for months, but I have to be honest with myself and accept that it’s not going to happen.”

 

Quigley admits he too is disappointed by Dodson’s sudden withdrawal.

 

But it doesn’t change the gameplan of the Tower Hill warrior, himself a former Lonsdale Belt holder, three weeks ahead of the tournament.

 

He said: “It would have been nice to fight Tony again, especially if the draw came out as many had hoped and we’d fought in the final, but regardless I’m still going to win it with or without him.

 

“I’ve had a lot of experience with the competition already. I helped Carl Dilks prepare for the light-heavyweight event and was with him in London and I was also in Mark Moran’s corner for the super-bantamweights just last month.

 

“I know what the gameplan needs to be to win Prizefighter and I believe that it will suit me down to the ground. I’m looking forward to it.”

 

Daniel Cadman, Stevie Maguire, Peter Fedorenko, Eddie McIntosh and Paul David are also all signed up.

 

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/boxing/2010/06/12/seconds-out-dodson-s-exit-fires-up-quigley-s-prizefighter-challenge-100252-26636371/?

[Wheelchair]

Tony ‘Sugar’ Salem has won the public vote to appear in the next Prizefighter event. Prizefighter Super-Middleweights will be taking place on June 30 at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, London. There are two further changes as Tony Dodson and Stevie McGuire have both had to withdraw due to struggling to make the weight. Their replacements will be 19-year-old Patrick Mendy and Sam Horton. The rest of the line-up is Daniel Cadman, Paul David, Peter Federenko, Eddie McIntosh and Tony Quigley. No big names in this edition of Prizefighter.

 

 

Fightnews.

[Wheelchair]

TONY QUIGLEY has been installed as the betting favourite for the Prizefighter Super-middleweights tournament later this month.

 

Liverpool’s former British champion has been put in at 5/2 with Betfred to win the tournament on June 30.

 

To win all three of his scheduled bouts on points is a 5/1 bet, while three straight stoppages is being offered at 25/1.

 

Meanwhile, Tony Salam has made history by becoming the first boxer to be voted into a Prizefighter event.

 

Londoner Salam, 26, was victorious in the public vote and will now be competing at York Hall in Bethnal Green two weeks tomorrow.

 

“This is why the United Kingdom is one of the greatest countries on the planet,” said a delighted Salam.

 

“I had everybody from every race and place voting for me.

 

“This is the biggest opportunity in my life and I'm going to show the world that I'm the best and most entertaining super-middleweight out there.

 

“All I have ever wanted is a chance and now I'm taking part in the greatest competition in boxing and I promise all the fans I will not let them down and will fight with everything I have got.”

 

Promoters Matchroom threw open the final spot to the public via voting on the official website and more than 5,000 votes were received.

 

Salam gained more nominations than Olympic gold medallist James DeGale and Commonwealth champion George Groves, while undefeated Welsh fighter Jeff Evans was also well backed.

 

Salam lives in Stoke Newington in north London and will be backed by a large amount of support at the event, the 13th Prizefighter tournament. However, Scotland’s Stevie McGuire has followed Liverpool’s Tony Dodson out of the tournament after he also confessed to struggling to make the weight.

 

Their replacements will be 19-year-old Patrick Mendy from Reading and Dudley’s ex-Midlands Area champion Sam Horton.

 

The confirmed Prizefighter Super-middles line-up is; Tony Quigley (Liverpool), Daniel Cadman (Essex), Paul David (Northampton), Peter Federenko (Sheffield), Sam Horton (Dudley), Eddie McIntosh (Birmingham), Patrick Mendy (Reading) and Tony Salam (London).

 

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/boxing/2010/06/15/tony-quigley-named-favourite-for-prizefighter-tournament-100252-26651986/?

[mofo2]

Is there only me that is bored of this already, they have them to close to each other and its becoming a little repetitive!

[Wheelchair]

Provided the tournament is competitive I don't mind.

[Faulks]

The whole injury and the stand bys tossing a coin then walking into the final has really put me off it. Saying that ill be watching the next one no doubt

[Wheelchair]

The whole injury and the stand bys tossing a coin then walking into the final has really put me off it. Saying that ill be watching the next one no doubt

 

I think the two stand-in's should box off to see who enters the tournament.

[Faulks]

The whole injury and the stand bys tossing a coin then walking into the final has really put me off it. Saying that ill be watching the next one no doubt

 

I think the two stand-in's should box off to see who enters the tournament.

 

Dam Right mate my thoughts exactly.

[brooklynbrawler]

The whole injury and the stand bys tossing a coin then walking into the final has really put me off it. Saying that ill be watching the next one no doubt

 

I think the two stand-in's should box off to see who enters the tournament.

 

Dam Right mate my thoughts exactly.

 

I thought the same, but when you think about it logically - they are there on standby to cover injuries and to ensure that the competition remains in the knockout stage format.

There's no point in throwing both "cover" fighters in against each other and risk injuries to either of them, when there is still a possibility of both entering due to injuries picked up by other fighters.

It leaves them at a disadvantage, and I'd maybe rather see previous round losers taking their place...

[Wheelchair]

Injured Quigley is left devastated

 

THE Prizefighter curse has struck again and with it go Merseyside’s chances of success in the super-middleweight series.

 

Tony Quigley has followed Tony Dodson out of the tournament after injuring a toe yesterday.

 

The former British champion, who was confirmed as favourite for the knockout out tournament planned for York Hall on June 30, suffered a freak toe injury after slipping down a hole. The 25-year-old from Tower Hill is now on crutches and could well need an operation on the big toe on his left foot, which lost its nail and suffered a bone-revealing slice.

 

Quigley said: “I’m devastated. I was really looking forward to it and I was in good shape too.

 

“But I slipped down a hole and ripped apart my toe.

 

“It’s in a bad way and the hospital have given me crutches and told me to stay off it.

 

“I’m hoping I won’t need an operation but the thing that upsets me most is that I am out of Prizefighter.

 

“I have the formula to win the event so to face up to the fact that I’m out is hard to take.

 

“The line-up was good and competitive and winning that title would of put me back into the mix for a championship fight.”

 

Liverpool’s other 12st contender, Carl Dilks, has ruled himself out of coming in as a replacement.

 

 

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/boxing/2010/06/17/injured-quigley-is-left-devastated-100252-26668863/?

[The_budweiser]

Salam voted into Prizefighter

 

Tony Salam has won the public vote to take part in Prizefighter.

 

The Londoner will take the eighth and final place in the Super-Middleweights tournament that takes place at York Hall on Wednesday, June 30.

 

Prizeifighter promoters Matchroom Sports made history by asking the public to select the fighter they would like to see complete the line-up scrapping it out for £32,000.

 

And Salam, who lives in Stoke Newington, was delighted to top the poll which attracted more than 5,000 votes.

 

"This is why the United Kingdom is the one of the greatest countries on the planet," he said. "I had everybody from every race and place voting for me.

 

"This is the biggest opportunity in my life and I'm going to show the world that I'm the best and most entertaining super-middleweight out there.

 

"All I have ever wanted is a chance and now I'm taking part in the greatest competition in boxing and I promise all the fans that I will not let them down and will fight with everything I have got."

 

Salam has lost only one of his 10 professional fights, to another Prizefighter competitor, Courtney Fry at the York Hall, but has beaten Salam Cruiserweights champion Ovill McKenzie and Nick Okoth, the Cruiserweights II runner-up.

 

Fierce Merseyside rivals Tony Dodson and Tony Quigley are already in the Super-Middleweight tournament, along with former British title contender Stevie McGuire of Scotland.

 

More local interest will come from Waltham Abbey's former Repton amateur Daniel Cadman, with Sheffield's Peter Federenko and Birmingham's Eddie McIntosh are also in the line-up, gunning for the £32,000 prize.

 

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

 

 

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12183_6206070,00.html

[WelshDevilRob]

Unbeaten Welsh fighter Jeff Evans has replaced Tony Quigley in the line-up for Prizefighter Super-Middleweights on June 30 at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

 

Mystery surrounds Quigley’s decision to pull out, with the official reason of a foot injury clouded by rumours of a domestic dispute – but 27 year-old Evans is delighted to have been called up to the 13th edition of Barry Hearn’s eight-man, one night tournament, live on Sky Sports.

 

The Pontypool-based boxer came close to grabbing the final spot on the night by winning the first ever Prizefighter public vote, only to lose out to Londoner Tony Salam. But now the hot prospect with three wins from three fights has been granted a second chance and is determined to grab it with both hands.

 

“You don't miss an opportunity like this - I'm absolutely ecstatic,” said Evans. “I was told that I had received a lot of votes which made me proud as you wouldn't expect me to get that many after just three fights. But I'm from a big community and I know they have backed me and I want to do if for them to thank them. The word has only been out for a day now and I've already had lots of people wanting to come to London to support me and I can't wait.”

 

Working as a welder and fabricator by day, Evans admitted he has thought about what victory and the £32,000 winner’s cheque could do to his fledgling career, and the effect on his profile in his home country which already has a Prizefighter winner in Gavin Rees.

 

“Getting seen performing in front of big crowds and becoming a big name in Wales is what it's all about for me,” said Evans. “Winning Prizefighter could take me to places I didn't expect. I've always wanted to give boxing more of my time and this could open so many doors. I'm a family man and I have a mortgage just like everyone else so I can't just focus on the boxing, but winning Prizefighter would give me that chance.

 

“I'm not really that bothered that it's short notice, I'm in good shape and I've got two weeks to get up to my peak and I'm confident that I have the tools to do the job. I have power there so I need to work my opponent from the off and get that working but I've got no doubts in my ability.”

 

Evans is embarking on his career under the tutelage of Gary Lockett, the former world title challenger and the man who also trains Prizefighter light-welterweight winner Gavin Rees and super-bantamweight semi-final winner Ricky Owen who had to withdraw from the final due to a cut in the last show in May.

 

“I'm a quick learner, and since turning pro - or semi-pro in my eyes - I am learning with every day, and Gary is key to that,” said Evans. “Experience is a so important in the sport and Gary is perfect to teach me. I sparred with him on Wednesday and was great, he was a great fighter and he's still in good shape and you cannot get better than sparring with someone who's seen it and done it.”

 

Lockett was in the corner for Owen’s bruising quarter-final encounter with Gavin Reid in May before withdrawing the fighter with a cut ahead of the final, and having seen just how demanding the night is on a fighter, Evans may have the perfect guide to lift the trophy on the night.

 

“You have to take it round by round as anything can happen, less than half the favourites have won which shows that,” said Lockett. “Ricky looked brilliant against Reid but then he got dropped in the second round because he didn't stick to the game plan, and it ended up being so much of a war that he didn't have anything left for the semi and the final. I think that by pulling him out of the final I was preserving his career really because there was just nothing left in him.

 

“Jeff has been sparring with the likes of Nathan Cleverly and Bradley Pryce regularly and he does pretty well against them,” said Lockett. “He's a strong and tough kid – he needs to develop his skills but he's got heart and power, he's a hard worker and intelligent too.

 

“I'm a little bit sore around the ribs today after sparring – I'm going to be taking more money out of his purse this time for all that! But joking aside, he's a good boy who wants to learn and he likes to hear the stories of the good nights I had and with a bit of luck he'll have a good night himself on the 30th.”

 

Joining Evans and Salam on the night is Dudley’s Sam Horton fresh from his title fight with James DeGale, former British Masters champion Eddie McIntosh, Northampton’s Paul David, Waltham Abbey’s Daniel Cadman, Peter Fedorenko from Sheffield and 19 year-old Patrick Mendy, the youngest ever boxer in Prizefighter.

 

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

[Wheelchair]

I wonder how many of the original line-up will actually be at the tournament?

[Wheelchair]

Patrick Mendy Looking To Cause A Shock At Prizefighter

 

On June 30th, Super Middleweights are set to square off at the infamous York Hall in Bethnall Green, London, as the popular one-night, eight man tournament Prizefighter returns. One of the competitors in this edition is Patrick Mendy, 5-4 (0 early), an ambitious Gambian desperate to win. He couldn't believe his luck that he was selected for the competition.

 

"I still don't believe it yet," noted Mendy. "It's just like a dream come true. I don't know what to say; I'm just very, very excited about it. I'm really motivated to win this and I'll do everything to win all the fights. I train hard and I've been sparring with Nathan Cleverly. I have no doubt about it; I will win these fights."

 

Patrick is convinced his preparations are going to plan, and believes the 3x3 round format and possibility of fighting three times in one night will be perfect for him.

 

He said, "Everything's going well. Since we've known I'm in Prizefighter, we've stepped up the training to another level. It will suit me. It's all about fitness; if you're proper fit, there's nothing to doubt about. In boxing, one thing you need to do is sacrifice, and I've sacrificed a lot of things, and that's why I'm fit every day."

 

At time of writing the draw hasn't been announced, but regardless of whom he's put up against, the Jim Evans-trained 168-pounder is certain of victory.

 

"I don't mind who my opponent is," he stated. "Anybody I get, I'm going to make sure they know who is the 'Tiger.' They might look at me and say, 'He has four losses and five wins,' but when you look at my record it's like another story. I've started from the top with the biggest fights, so I have nothing to doubt now because I've fought top fighters. I'll just go out and do my job."

 

Indeed, combining all nine of the pugilists Mendy has faced to date in the pro ranks, they hold two losses between them (at the time Patrick fought them), showing that he's been in at a good standard through his whole career. The Gambian now wants to show he's a class above others at his weight by emerging victorious in Prizefighter.

 

"It's going to open a lot of doors for me," beamed the Reading resident. "In my community, boys are hanging around and causing trouble, so after this fight I can open free classes for them to go and train. Secondly, I'm looking forward to fighting for Britain anywhere I'm wanted to go. They say that after this, the one who wins is going to fight George Groves. I'm really excited about it."

 

"I'm going to be Number One and World Champion," Mendy continued. "I'm going to go very far in boxing, and after this, I don't think that anyone will ever beat me. There won't be taking fights at one week's notice anymore, and there's going to be time for my fights now. Everything will be different."

 

Last time out, Patrick lost to Kenny Anderson via a 78-75 points margin, but he's convinced this was the incorrect result.

 

"I was crying after the fight," admitted the 19-year-old. "Kenny Anderson knew he didn't win that, but there's nothing I can do. If you don't knock people out, you can't get the win sometimes. I just used it for learning though."

 

In the face of this setback, Mendy is convinced he's improved and is learning all the time. "Everything is better," he noted. "When people watch me now, everything's different from the Kenny Anderson fight. Every day I change."

 

With this, Mendy is 'one-hundred percent' he'll emerge victorious out of this tournament, taking the £30,000 cash prize home with him. The replacement for Liverpool's Tony Dodson noted, "I've watched all the boys, and if they sacrifice the way I sacrifice; no problem, let's do it. Talking's easy and people can say anything they like, but the only thing that matters is when we step in the ring. There it's only me and you, and the stronger you are and more energy you have, the more likely you are to win the fight."

 

With this confidence, Mendy is a live underdog, and could well put up more of a fight than many expect come June 30th.

 

 

http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=28671

[Wheelchair]

Prizefighter a 'golden opportunity' - Federenko

 

On June 30 at York Hall, Bethnal Green, fight fans will be treated to the thirteenth instalment of promoter Barry Hearn’s brainchild as eight super-middleweights endeavour to seize the coveted Prizefighter crown.

 

The innovative tournament formula, recently afforded praise by Ricky Hatton, has been lauded for revitalising the sport and capturing the attention of a younger demographic.

 

Audley Harrison in the eyes of many perhaps best personifies the merits of Prizefighter. His triumph in the eighth production acted as a welcome catalyst, prompting the reverse of a hitherto dwindling career, which now revived sees him on the verge of a world-title challenge.

 

But I would argue the series’ defining characteristic is the potential it harbours to propel a pugilist from relative obscurity into the boxing public’s consciousness.

 

Willie ‘Big Bang’ Casey’s victory in the last Prizefighter is illustrative of this. The Irishman took his place in the line-up at short notice as a replacement for the injured former WBC world bantamweight champion Wayne McCullough and was overlooked by many as a contender for the trophy.

 

With the likes of former European champion Esham Pickering and 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jamie Arthur in the mix, few would have backed 28-year-old Casey as a prospective winner.

 

But the true ingenuity of the Prizefighter series lies in its unpredictability and Casey was the fighter who rose to the challenge and best exploited the three-round format on that May night to emerge victorious.

 

Immediately after, the super-bantamweight voiced his desire to contest the European title and with the Prizefighter triumph now adorning his CV that ambition is all the more likely to be fulfilled.

 

One man who hopes he can follow in the footsteps of Casey on June 30 by revelling in the role of the underdog is 32-year-old Peter Federenko (5-2).

 

The Steel City super-middleweight has only had one fight since becoming “disillusioned” and walking away from the sport in 1999, but he perceives next week’s Prizefighter as a vehicle that can get his career moving once again.

 

“It’s a golden opportunity and I’m so grateful for it,” Federenko told BoxRec News. “Especially for someone like me with only one fight in ten years. I’m just going to give everything I’ve got and if I could win it I’m sure it would elevate me on to bigger and better things.”

 

During his prolonged hiatus from the ring Federenko said he did “everything you can think of,” including working as a train conductor. Now trained by Howard Rainey at his gym in Sheffield, the Yorkshireman balances his time boxing with attending college, where he studies sports massage therapy.

 

“I can’t wait to get in the ring now,” he said. “Training is bang on, I’m very fit and I’m ready to go. I have been training with Howard for eight months now and it’s been going really well.”

 

The orthodox Federenko, who said he would probably invest the £32,000 prize money should he win, revealed his preparation for Prizefighter has differed from his normal routine.

 

“I’ve been training differently for the tournament because of the three-round structure,” he said. “We’ve been doing a lot of sprint training so I can adjust to the pace of the fights and so I’m able to fight in short bursts. I’ll be fast and furious, and I’m confident I can win it.”

 

With the formidable Tony Dodson and Tony Quigley, both former British champions, having already withdrawn from the competition Federenko’s chances of success will have been boosted, but the Sheffield fighter will still face a stern test against a tough and eclectic cast, which includes undefeated Jeff Evans and the youngest ever Prizefighter competitor, 19-year-old Patrick Mendy.

 

Sam Horton, Tony Salam, Eddie McIntosh, Paul David and Daniel Cadman are the other protagonists vying for the Prizefighter trophy, which will be contested live on Sky Sports.

 

http://news.boxrec.com/news/2010/prizefighter-golden-opportunity-federenko

[Wheelchair]

Old rivals Nigel Benn and Steve Collins will perform the draw for Prizefighter Super Middleweights on Sky Sports News on Thursday evening ahead of the event live on Sky Sports on June 30 at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

[Wheelchair]

Graham Houston's Prizefighter predictions......

 

 

The always popular Prizefighter series is back on Sky TV in the U.K. on Wednesday, this time with the super middleweight division featured.

 

I thought that the series reached an all-time high with last month’s highly entertaining tournament in the super bantam division that was won by Ireland’s colourful Willie Casey. Wednesday’s show is a bit of a comedown, I fear, although in this event, with boxers meeting in three-round bouts in an eight-man format, there are usually thrills and upsets.

 

As always, picking winners is tricky. The better boxer doesn’t always win in a three-round fight. Sometimes the man who starts faster and throws more punches gets the edge. I have only had the chance to see a couple of the 168-pounders taking part. Here’s a guess at what might happen in the quarterfinals, plus my selection for the overall winner.

 

SAM HORTON vs PATRICK MENDY Horton -160; Mendy +140

 

Horton, a southpaw, has the advantage in experience but he doesn’t seem too robust, having been stopped in each of his losses. He was game but outclassed against the Olympic gold medallist James DeGale in his last fight. Mendy, born in Gambia, in West Africa, has won three of his last four bouts. In his last fight, although outpointed, he apparently fought well against Kenny Anderson, the unbeaten Commonwealth Games gold medallist. Two of Mendy’s four losses were by the narrowest margin of a single point, and I am thinking he is a bit better than his record suggests, while Horton is coming into the bout after suffering a severe stoppage defeat. I think that Horton, who seems to be the better technical boxer and cleaner puncher, can scrape home on the cards.

 

JEFF EVANS vs PETER FEDORENKO Evans -125; Fedorenko +105

 

Fedorenko is a heavy-handed type who returned to the ring last September after a decade’s inactivity and bludgeoned his opponent into defeat in the fourth round. He scored a 16-second win back in 1998 when he flattened his opponent with a huge right hand. Fedorenko is relatively young at 32 and seems to be serious about his boxing after the long time away. However, he is moving up from the middleweight division. Evans has had only three bouts but he is the natural 168-pounder. I will go with the naturally bigger boxer, but of course Fedorenko’s right hand has to be taken into account — if he lands flush, he can win suddenly.

 

EDDIE McINTOSH vs DANIEL CADMAN McIntosh -160; Cadman +140

 

McIntosh has the better record but he was knocked out in his last fight — and in his last fight before this he barely won against a boxer who was taking part in his only fourth contest. Cadman has lost his last two fights against boxers with losing records, but one of those was a one-point defeat while the other loss appears to have been debatable. McIntosh appears to be slightly the better fighter and I will go with him, but the British oddsmaker sharpies will probably be more clued-up than I am on this fight (and all the Prizefighter bouts come to that).

 

TONY SALAM vs PAUL DAVID Salam -165; David +135

 

This match puts the two best boxers of the tournament against each other, which is a shame as this would have made an excellent final. Salam, born in Nigeria, is a talented southpaw with a good amateur background but he seemed a bit lacking in mental toughness when he was knocked out by Courtney Fry in his only professional defeat and he has had just two bouts in two years. He outpointed David in a four-rounder back in 2007, scoring a flash knockdown. However, David has won five of his last six bouts, including points wins over useful light-heavies Peter Haymer and Andrew Lowe — and in his last fight he avenged a defeat by knocking out the boxer who had beaten him. David hasn’t boxed for a year and a half but I understand he has been a sparmate for top-level boxers, including Carl Froch, and that he has given a good account of himself in the gym sessions. Salam looks the superior boxer, and he holds a win over David, admittedly three and a half years ago, so he has to be favoured. David seems a tough, determined individual, though, and he has obviously improved since the last fight with Salam. I think Salam should be able to outscore David, but it could be tight on the cards.

 

TOURNAMENT WINNER: I’m going with Tony Salam to take home the Prizefighter trophy, but he faces his toughest fight in his opening bout and, if he wins — which is by no means certain — he might be a bit drained for the next two contests.

[Wheelchair]

European super-middleweight champion Brian Magee has offered the ultimate incentive to tomorrow night’s Prizefighter Super Middleweight fighters – a shot at his title. The Prizefighter Super Middleweights take over York Hall in Bethnal Green live on Sky Sports on Wednesday evening and on top of the £32,000 for the winner, the possibility of a title fight with 35 year-old Magee is on the cards. “Brian will be watching tomorrow night’s action with great interest,” said manager Pat Magee. “He’s a big fan of Prizefighter and there is huge potential for him to take on the winner in his first European title defense.”

 

 

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/magee-vs-prizefighter-winner-51211

[WelshDevilRob]

Looks like Tony Saleem the favourite is out, he's been replaced by Carl Drake.

 

Paul David is the bookies new favourite at 3/1. Patrick Mendy 10/3.

 

Reading Graham Houstons article he seems as clueless as me on the fighters.

 

My money has gone on the Welshman. He's undefeated but intruth it looks like there is no clear favourite.

 

Jeff Evans @ 11/2, £2.00 Single 2.00 0.00

Jeff Evans @ 11/2, £2.00 Single 2.00 0.00

Jeff Evans @ 11/2, £6.00 Single 6.00 0.00

 

Accumulator.

Patrick Mendy @ 8/13

Eddie McIntosh @ 4/11

Jeff Evans @ 4/11

Paul David @ 4/7

4 Folds, 1 bet * £2.00 2.00 0.00