Prizefighter Heavyweights III launched in London - 26/08/2009
MATCHROOM Sport's Prizefighter Heavyweights III was officially launched today.
A press conference was held at London's Waldorf Hotel with all eight competitors present for what promises to be the most exciting event of the Prizefighter Series so far.
It features some of the biggest names in the division including current British Champion Danny Williams, former Olympic Games gold medalist Audley Harrison and former British Champions Michael Sprott, Scott Gammer and Michael Holden. 
The eight competitors in Prizefighter Heavyweights III. From left - Danny Williams, Michael Sprott, Michael Holden, Audley Harrison, Scott Belshaw, Danny Hughes, Scott Gammer and Coleman Barrett. Picture: Lawrence Lustig
Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn said: "This will be the most exciting night in British boxing for years and years. Prizefighter has evolved and resurrected my passion for boxing.
"The idea of Prizefighter goes back to basics of who wants it most wins. We have eight fighters and these are the people that if you are in the trenches you want these alongside you."
Harrison admitted he had a great deal to prove and was determined to show that his boxing career was not finished.
"A lot of people have thought I've retired but I've been telling people that I've just been ticking over waiting for a door to open," said Harrison.
"It's snakes and ladders and after my loss to Martin Rogan (earlier this year) a lot of people wanted me to fall all the way back down but I feel I've got a lot left.
"I had a devastating knockout loss to Michael Sprott in 2007 and hopefully I will get a chance to rectify that loss and also had two fights with Danny Williams.
"I beat him last time and it doesn't matter if Danny trains for six hours, six days or six months, what happened last time will happen again.
"It's not about the money for me, it's about putting myself back at the top but having Michael in there is an added bonus.
"I've been banging the drum about being World Champion and it has not worked out and people have hung me by that. But my confident has not been diminished one bit but I know I have to win it.
"If my arm is not raised I would really question myself. It's like the Michael Jackson song 'Man in the Mirror', I've looked at myself and the answer coming back has been 'yes, you can." 
The eight competitors in Prizefighter Heavyweights III. From left - Danny Williams, Michael Sprott, Michael Holden, Audley Harrison, Scott Belshaw, Danny Hughes, Scott Gammer and Coleman Barrett. Picture: Lawrence Lustig
Prizefighter Heavyweights III takes place at the York Hall, Bethnal Green on Friday, October 2 and all the action will be live on Sky Sports.
This will be the eighth Prizefighter event but Williams will be the first current British Champion to take part. If he fails to win the competition he may be stripped of his title and he admits he is taking a massive risk.
However, memories of a crushing third round defeat against Harrison in 2006 has proved Williams with the motivation he needs as he seeks revenge.
"When I was offered this, especially with Audley Harrison being involved, I was very excited," said Williams.
"I can't wait to get revenge, that's my main hope for this. I've been eating properly and training hard so no more messing around. If Audley Harrison or Michael Sprott were not in this I wouldn't be in it. I want them.
"I'm training so furiously for this and this is a must-win fight for me. Life is a gamble but I will take that gamble to fight Audley Harrison and Michael Sprott."
THE EIGHT PRIZEFIGHTER CONTENDERS
Name: Danny Williams
Age: 36
Home town: Brixton, London
Professional record: W41 (31 by KO), L7, D0, No Contest 1. Total 49 fights
Achievement: Current British Champion, fought for WBC title, defeated Mike Tyson
Name: Michael Sprott
Age: 34
Home town: Reading
Professional record: W31 (16 by KO), L14, D0. Total 45 fights
Achievement: Former British Champion
Name: Audley Harrison
Age: 37
Home town: London / Las Vegas
Professional record: W23 (17 by KO), L4, D0. Total 27 fights
Achievement: Olympic Games gold medalist
Name: Scott Gammer
Age: 32
Home town: Pembroke, Wales
Professional record: 18 (9 by KO), L4, D1. Total 23 fights
Achievement: Former British Champion
Name: Michael Holden
Age: 41
Home town: Manchester
Professional record: W10 (6 by KO), L9, D0. Total 19 fights
Achievement: Former British Champion
Name: Scott Belshaw
Age: 24
Home town: Lisburn, Northern Ireland
Professional record: W10 (7 by KO), L2, D0. Total 12 fights
Achievement: Former Irish Amateur Champion
Name: Coleman Barrett
Age: 26
Home town: Wembley, London
Professional record: W8 (2 by KO), L0, D0. Total: 8 fights
Achievement: Undefeated
Name: Danny Hughes
Age: 23
Home town: Sunderland
Professional record: W6 (1 by KO), L0, D1. Total 7 fights
Achievement: Undefeated
|
