GOLOVKIN IS THE REAL DEAL!

Kazakhstan’s Gennady ‘GGG’ Golovkin remains the WBA World and IBO middleweight champion after producing a composed, educated and calculating performance against Matthew Macklin in Connecticut on June 29. The way in which ‘GGG’ finished off Macklin was simply stunning to behold!

Golovkin, 31, now moves to 27(24)-0-0. He was punch-perfect throughout the contest against Macklin. He landed a precise left hook to the body midway through the 3rd round which sent Macklin crashing to the canvas. The Anglo-Irish fighter was clearly in some pain and discomfort. Macklin could not recover and get to his feet. Referee Eddie Cotton counted him out and stopped the fight with 1:22 of the 3rd round having elapsed.

‘GGG’ was making some noise before he fought Macklin, but many people did not class him as a legitimate threat. They felt that he had not beaten anyone of significance to justify the ‘hype’. He had won his last 13 fights by stoppage or knockout, which included devastating wins over Grzegorz Proska (TKO 5), Gabriel Rosado (TKO 7), and Nobuhiro Ishida (KO 3). Those were solid wins in their own right, but now, after demolishing Macklin in 3 rounds, he has silenced the critics…for now. Macklin was seen as a worthy challenger who would test Golovkin and ask some questions of him. However, this proved to be not the case. After disposing of Macklin so effortlessly, he made a big statement. No matter what you think of Macklin as an all-round fighter, nobody has beaten him in such devastating fashion. This was the third time that Macklin had come up short in a bid to become a World champion.

Is Golovkin the best middleweight in the World? It’s arguable that he is, but many people want to see him fight Sergio ‘Maravilla’ Martinez, who currently claims the #1 spot at 160. That’s a fight that must happen and I’d pick Golovkin right now to beat Martinez. The timing’s perfect for it to happen in Golovkin’s case, because Martinez is on the slide. ‘Maravilla’ has an awkward style to cope with but Golovkin’s all wrong for him in my opinion. Would Martinez want any of ‘GGG’? That remains to be seen. Golovkin’s power is definitely up there on the P4P list in my opinion, and I’m confident he’ll be a contender for the P4P throne once Floyd Mayweather Jr retires.

So what next for Golovkin? Well, as mentioned, a potential huge fight against WBC champ Martinez at 160 could be made. Golovkin-Julio Chavez Jr could also happen. Chavez Jr is a big guy who boils down to fight at 160. He can take some solid shots and he gave Martinez a fright when they met in 2012. It would be interesting to see how Golovkin fairs against him. Could Golovkin become the first Man to stop or knockout Chavez Jr? That would be a massive statement! Golovkin could move down to 154 and fight Saul Alvarez, or at 160 if Alvarez decides to move up. Golovkin may decide to move up to 168 and fight the likes of Carl Froch and Andre Ward. Those two opponents would provide a stern challenge and they would most certainly fancy their chances of beating Golovkin. There are many options for ‘GGG’ and it’s the perfect time to put him in some big fights.

What impresses me the most is the way Golovkin goes about his work. He’s smart, assured and clinical. He’s nice and loose and fluid too and he doesn’t like to rush his work. He’s great to watch and I’m positive we’ll see much more from him in the future.

Gavin vs Vassell – A British welterweight treat is about to be served!

The British boxing public have been crying out for this fight to be made. It features two of Britain’s brightest young talents, who are both undefeated. Not only are they at a pivotal point in their careers, they each have a desire to achieve great things in the sport. But, on June 28, Frankie Gavin and Denton Vassell have just one thing on their minds, which is to put everything on the line to prove they are the current top welterweight in Britain!

Vassell (20-0-0, 10 KO’s), hails from Manchester, Lancashire, and he’s the betting underdog going into this contest. Vassell, 28, had his first serious test in his 15th pro fight in 2010, when he battled Lee Purdy for the vacant Commonwealth welterweight title. It was a classic bruising affair which went the distance, and it was the first time Vassell had gone 12 rounds. He was victorious at the end of it, winning a unanimous decision on the scorecards. In 2011, Vassell came up against Bethuel Ushona, who was unbeaten going into the fight. Ushona landed some clean counter-punches during the contest, however, Vassell’s pressure and strength proved the difference. He won comfortably on the cards and defended the Commonwealth belt. Vassell then successfully defended the Commonwealth belt later that year, after overpowering Samuel Colomban over 12 rounds. After a year out, Vassell destroyed highly touted Ronnie Heffron in 6 rounds to defend the Commonwealth title for a third time. It was an impressive display of power from ‘The Quiet Storm’.

Gavin (15-0-0, 11 KO’s), is born and bred in Birmingham, West Midlands, and he’s the betting favourite as this fight draws closer. Gavin, 27, is a former Irish light-welterweight champion and in 2011 claimed the vacant WBO Inter-Continental welterweight belt after beating Young Mutley. In his first defense of the title, Gavin defeated ex-professional footballer, Curtis Woodhouse, but it wasn’t meant to be as difficult as it was. Woodhouse gave Gavin problems throughout, but Gavin was awarded a close win via split decision. In 2012, Gavin challenged Junior Witter for the prestigious British welterweight title, but, it’s a fight that won’t live long in the memory. The reason for this is mainly due to a clash of styles and Witter’s awkwardness. Gavin, though, produced the better and cleaner work and was victorious on all three judges’ scorecards. In January, earlier this year, Gavin made a successful first defense of the British title. He’s not really known for his punching power, but he produced a solid performance and showed that he can bang a bit. Jason Welborn was on the receiving end of his assaults, and after 7 rounds Gavin forced the stoppage he was seeking. Gavin’s not quite as feather-fisted as many believe.

This is a unification title fight which will see the winner claim the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles.

This matchup is the classic boxer versus banger, southpaw versus orthodox showdown. They are practically at the same stage of their respected careers. Gavin is the favourite, but the amount of people picking Vassell to win has increased, and this is down to his size, strength and persistent pressure. Gavin has the tools to box and move and keep out of harms way, but it’s inevitable that he’s going to have to fight fire with fire. This will surely only suit Vassell, but then again, Gavin might just surprise us some more. If Vassell’s persistent enough and gets through and lands, it will put Gavin in serious trouble. Can Gavin use his boxing brain and prove the better Man over 12 rounds? That remains to be seen. Can Vassell get in range and inflict enough damage to force a stoppage, or even produce a knockout? That remains to be seen. What we will see though is an enthralling contest, with many twists and turns probable. We are lucky that this fight is happening, and that’s down to Frank Warren Promotions and Queensbury Promotions.

This is one of the best British fights that can be made right now and guess what?! It’s almost upon us!

Banks-Mitchell 2 – A Fight That Shouldn’t Be Overlooked!

Michigan’s Johnathon Banks and Virginia’s Seth ‘Mayhem’ Mitchell are set to clash for a second time on Saturday, 22 June, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. It is fair to say that their rematch has dropped off the radar due to the feature bout of the night between Adrien Broner and Paulie Malignaggi being so highly anticipated. Banks and Mitchell though have plans of their own, which could see one of them steal the headlines of Sunday morning’s back pages.

Banks and Mitchell are not the most well known American heavyweight fighters out there, but they are both contenders in the heavyweight division. This rematch has been on and off over the past months and was actually meant to take place on February 16 this year, on the undercard of Broner versus Gavin Rees. Due to Mitchell injuring his hand though and complications over negotiations it fell through.

Banks (29-1-1, 19 KO’s), fought as a cruiserweight during the early stages of his career and suffered just one defeat. He met Tomasz Adamek in 2009 but was stopped during the 8th round. Banks was knocked to the canvas and under a barrage of power shots from Adamek before the referee intervened. As a heavyweight however, Banks is undefeated. He has beaten the likes of Travis Walker, Jason Gavern and Nicola Firtha, who are not considered serious contenders but just below World level.

Mitchell (25-1-1, 19 KO’s), is a former American football player and prior to 2006 had never stepped inside a boxing ring. He progressed quickly though as a boxer and it didn’t take long for him to catch the attention of the boxing public. Mitchell’s most notable victories to date came against Timur Ibragimov in 2011 and Chazz Witherspoon in 2012. Ibragimov had never been stopped before in 34 contests leading up to the fight with Mitchell. However, Ibragimov was blasted out in just 2 rounds. Against Witherspoon, who is seen as a gatekeeper for World level, Mitchell was dropped and in deep waters early on. Mitchell, though, survived and his power got him through in 3 rounds.

Banks and Mitchell met last November, in what was classed as a WBC semi-final eliminator. Mitchell went into the contest as the favourite as he was considered a major prospect at that time. The script wasn’t read though. Mitchell crumbled at the hands of Banks who stunned Mitchell by knocking him down three times en route to a 3rd round TKO victory.

Banks, 30, knows now that he can hurt Mitchell. We could see a repeat of what happened in their first meeting. Banks has gone the 12 round distance a total of five times before. This would suggest that the longer this rematch goes on for the more it suits him. This is not always the case though.

Mitchell, 31, is after revenge and aiming to climb the rankings once again. He is vulnerable though as his chin has been exposed. He has explosive power and he is dangerous and this makes him exciting to watch. Mitchell’s power could prove the difference this time round. However, he has never been past 8 rounds, so it will be interesting to see how he copes if this was to go past that many rounds. I think it’s fair to say that this is a must win fight for Mitchell.

Banks will be determined to prove that it was no fluke the first time round and intent on defeating Mitchell for a second time. If he wins then his stock rises that bit more and he will be a step closer to a possible World title shot. That shot could come against Wladimir Klitschko. What would make that fight interesting is that Banks is Wladimir’s trainer. But, would that fight get made? If it was to then would we witness something different from an opponent of Wladimir’s? Seeing as Banks trains him he must know some of his weaknesses. But, knowing somebody’s weaknesses and actually being able to exploit them are two different things.

Whatever happens you can guarantee that Banks-Mitchell 2 will be exciting. It may not last very long again so don’t rush off anywhere and miss it. I’m banking on we see some mayhem!

Terence Crawford – The World Awaits!

Terence ‘Bud’ Crawford (21-0-0, 16 KO’s), is from Omaha, Nebraska, USA. He started boxing at the age of 7 and had a successful amateur career. He claimed a Gold medal at the U.S. Pan American Games Box-Offs in 2007. The Nebraskan is 25 years of age and has been somewhat of a well kept secret. Many of us were not aware of who he is and the skillset he possesses, until early 2013.

Crawford got his first chance to shine on March 30, when he stepped in at late notice to fight Breidis Prescott (famous for his 1st round knockout of Amir Khan in 2008), on the Brandon Rios-Mike Alvarado II undercard. It was Crawford’s first serious test and it was his debut on TV. The card was aired live on American television through HBO, so many of us got the chance to sit down, put our feet up, crack open a bottle of…bud and watch Crawford-Prescott unfold.

Crawford out-boxed Prescott over 10 rounds, winning handsomely on the scorecards. He demonstrated a natural ability to switch-hit, intelligent movement and fast hands. It was an impressive all-round display from the Nebraskan. We got another chance to see Crawford on TV as he featured on the Mikey Garcia-Juan Manuel Lopez undercard on June 15. He came up against Mexican, Alejandro Sanabria. It was Crawford’s second 10 round contest and another test of his credentials.

The Nebraskan showed patience and craftiness as he dismantled Sanabria, who had an excellent record. Crawford walked through him in 6 rounds, finishing the fight off with the first punch of the 6th round. Crawford never gave Sanabria a minute’s break. He broke him down and took him out and this is what we want to see. Crawford clearly has the power to match his skill.

Crawford does not seem like a flashy type of fighter and I believe that’s a good thing. He’s more steady, calm and workmanlike. He’s very relaxed and thinks about what he’s doing. He comes across as the kind of person who keeps his feet firmly on the ground and who would not let the fame get to his head, but ot course, he believes in his talent. I believe he looks as if he has the tools to make a name for himself.

So, what about you? Do you feel the same way about Crawford as I do? If so, get in touch!

Quigg vs Frampton…Will it ever happen?

Fight fans across Britain have prayed that this fight will come to fruition. They feel it has the makings to be one of the best domestic fights in recent times. But still, their prayers have not yet been answered. Scott Quigg versus Carl Frampton…Will it ever happen?

Before I give you some reasons why I believe this fight has not been made yet, and when it could happen, let me tell you a bit about both fighters careers so far.

Quigg (25-0-1, 18 KO’s), hails from Bury, Lancashire and made his pro debut in April 2007. He claimed the vacant WBA Inter-Continental super-bantamweight title on September 25, 2010, after knocking out Argentina’s Santiago Allione in 3 rounds. He defended the title a further two times before he set his sights on the British title.

On October 22, 2011, Quigg, 24, destroyed Nottingham’s Jason Booth in 7 rounds and was announced as the new British champion. The Bury Man went on to successfully defend the title on February 4, 2012, after picking himself off the canvas to stop Scottish-born Jamie Arthur in 8 rounds. Quigg then stepped up a level to take on Leicester’s Rendall Munroe on June 16, 2012, in a clash for the ‘Interim’ WBA World super-bantamweight title. The fight was called to a halt though after only 3 rounds and it was confirmed as a technical decision draw due to a clash of heads. Later that year, on November 24, Quigg and Munroe met again. Quigg turned on the style this time to dispatch of Munroe in 6 rounds. It was an eye-catching performance that impressed fight fans.

Frampton (16-0-0, 11 KO’s), a.k.a ‘The Jackal’, was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland and made his pro debut on June 12, 2009. He claimed his first title in 2010 with the vacant Celtic super-bantamweight title. Frampton then claimed the vacant Commonwealth super-bantamweight title in September 2011. In May, 2012, ‘The Jackal’ stepped up a level when taking on Mexican Raul Hirales for the vacant IBF Inter-Continental super-bantamweight title. Frampton showed his class though on the night winning the contest comfortably on points.

Frampton, 26, then put his Commonwealth and IBF Inter-Continental 122lb titles on the line on September 22, 2012, when he faced Canada’s Steve Molitor. The Ulsterman was on top form yet again and produced a classy display to stop Molitor in 6 rounds. Frampton’s toughest and most dangerous examination came on February 9 last year. He challenged Spain’s Kiko Martinez for the European crown, and, put his IBF Inter-Continental title on the line. ‘The Jackal’ was put under constant pressure throughout from Martinez, but he showed he has the ability to mix it up and adapt when required. Frampton ended the contest in fine fashion, sending Martinez to the canvas in the 9th round. The fight was stopped after the Spaniard was unable to continue.

 ‘The Jackal’ surprised many people last month when he and his team decided to part company with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport. Frampton put pen to paper and astonishingly signed with Frank Warren. Despite having fought ten less fights than Quigg, Frampton must feel that his career has ignited more so than his domestic rival. Frampton and his team felt that it was the best possible move for them to sign with Warren.

Quigg has not fought since November and this has left him and his team feeling very frustrated. His career has stalled. For such a promising talent, he needs to kept active. It was one of the reasons why he felt he had to leave Ricky Hatton’s promotional company and sign with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport this month. It really has been a bizarre year with fighters leaving one promoter to sign with another.

Both Quigg and Frampton have really come on strong of late, showing a lot of promise. They have matured into solid operators and they are still learning and gaining valuable experience with each fight. They are both still young of course. Both fighters have become a favourite amongst fight fans in Britain. The majority of fans want the pair to fight to decide who the best is in Britain at 122lbs.

So, why have they not fought yet?

Well, both fighters are at a slightly different stage of their career than the other. Quigg is currently ranked #1 in the WBA super-bantamweight rankings and due to fight on June 29 at Bolton arena. He has not fought since November, that may most likely just be a stay busy fight. His team though may be looking towards getting him a shot at WBA Super World super-bantamweight title-holder Guillermo Rigondeaux next year. Frampton, on the other hand, claimed the European title in February, so he and his team may be looking at defending the title in his next fight at Wembley arena on July 20. Frampton is ranked #14 in the WBO rankings, so he and his team may be looking for him to step up to World level in 2014.

In order for Quigg and Framton to fight, a World title may need to be at stake. This of course would make this fight an even bigger event.

But, why would there need to be a World belt on the line? Both are ranked #1 and #2 in Britain, so it makes sense for them to prove who is the best in Britain at 122lbs. I am sure a lot of money would be offered to both fighters. Apparently, Eddie Hearn turned down an offer from Frank Warren to make the fight happen around September 2013. If this is true then perhaps the main reason for this could be due to Quigg’s inactivity over the past 7 months. Perhaps neither Man wants to risk losing their ‘0’ to the other. This may not be the case though as they have often spoke about wanting the fight to happen.

I think we will see Quigg and Frampton fight, but, I believe it could come down to two things. They either meet in a World title eliminator bout, or it happens when one of them loses their unbeaten record and needs the other to get themselves back on track.

Whatever the case, this fight NEEDS to happen. Their styles would gel so well. It would be a bruising war for as long as it lasts. Who knows, if they met once, they could do it all over again.

We could have one hell of a rivalry on our hands with these two.

Hey Paulie, you have a problem to deal with!

“Are you talking to me?…I said, are you talking to meeee?….Get the F##k outta here!” This has been the type of response from the ‘Magic Man’ whenever ‘The Problem’ opens his mouth and says his name.

Paulie ‘Magic Man’ Malignaggi and Adrien ‘The Problem’ Broner have trash-talked a fair bit ahead of their WBA World welterweight title bout showdown. As we all know though, you don’t win fights with your mouth you win them with your fists!

The pair go head-to-head at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York on June 22.

Malignaggi (32-4-0, 7 KO’s), who has mixed it with the likes of Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan in the past, clearly hasn’t taken a liking to Broner!

“Adrien is nothing more than a Floyd Mayweather wannabe. He doesn’t just fight like him. He talks like him. He breathes like him. He needs to get his own character.” said the ‘Magic Man’

“He doesn’t have his own personality. It’s a big insecurity.” He added.

“I’m smooth, I’m fresh, I’m fly” Broner (26-0-0, 22 KO’s), who has been labelled as ‘The heir to the throne’ and ‘The second coming of Floyd Mayweather Jr’ by many experts and fans of boxing, has demolished those who have been put in front of him. But, there are two bouts that many feel Broner lost but was awarded the ‘W’ – a majority points decision over Fernando Quintero in 2009 and a unanimous points decision over Daniel Ponce De Leon in 2009.

‘The Problem’ has indeed shown some respect towards the ‘Magic Man’, but in his own “unique” way.

“I take this serious but he’s a clown. He’s going to come in with a lot of colors, with big feet and colored hair and I’m going to punch his nose red!” said Broner.

The 23-year-old may act and have a fairly similar style to Floyd Jr, but he’s not quite Floyd Jr.

Broner, who was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, is confident of claiming the WBA World title from Malignaggi. If he wins then he would claim a third World title (even though many disregard this title as meaningful), in a third weight class.

Malignaggi, 32, is attempting to defend the WBA World 147lb title for a second time, which he claimed in 2012 from Ukraine’s, Vyacheslav Senchenko. The ‘Magic Man’ is the underdog in this bout in his hometown, but is confident of solving ‘The Problem’.

Me thinks Broner beats Malignaggi as the ‘Magic Man’ simply doesn’t have enough pop to keep Broner honest. Broner will counter Malignaggi all night long and has the power to really trouble him.

Malignaggi’s cruising for a bruising so he better conjure up a magic potion in order to beat Broner!

David Leo Making The Transition From Amateur To Pro

David Leo was born in Barking, Essex. He lived there for a year before moving to Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, where he still resides. He started off as a young cub, who was new to boxing but had an aim to make some noise as an amateur. Now he’s a mature lion, and he’s ravenous, determined to make a name for himself as a pro!

Leo (right) pictured with IBF middleweight title challenger, Darren Barker

David ‘Lionheart’ Leo is making the transition from amateur to professional boxing towards the end of 2013. It’s a whole different ball game as they say. Two completely different sports. Leo, 30, will have to get used to not wearing a headguard, wearing lighter gloves and approaching each fight with a different strategy and mentality. He is under no illusion as to how tough the switch from amateur to pro will be. Under the tutelage of new trainer, Peter Sims, they will be planning a ferocious attack on the pro scene! You need such strength and courage to succeed in this game, and Leo believes he has the qualities to reign supreme!

I’ve seen many clips of Leo’s amateur bouts via youtube, and I liked his aggressive style from the off. I also could see improvements with each bout too. As soon as I heard he was switching from amateur to pro, I wanted to get to know a bit more about him and how he got into boxing.

I got in contact with him and he kindly took time out to answer my questions.

J.McK – How old were you when you first got into boxing?

D.L – I was 21, I wanted to do a martial art but I had a bad ankle from football, so that left me with my hands and boxing.

J.McK – How old were you when you first put on a pair of boxing gloves?

D.L – Again, 21. Before then I had never done any kind of boxing!

J.McK – Which amateur bouts that you’ve competed in stand out to you?

D.L – Erm… Tough question. I’ll have to name a few for their different reasons. My first encounter with Charlie Rice (now professional), was one of my hardest fights because he hit so hard!!! I had 3 bouts with Islington’s Carlos Moreno which were 3 great wars. And then my favourite will have to be avenging my loss to England boxer Jimmy Cooper. 18 months after losing to him I had a rematch and KO’d him in the first round. My first fight after my Coach Ron Walton past away, so that was dedicated to him.

J.McK – What did you achieve as an amateur?

D.L – Reaching an ABA quarter-final at lightweight at 28, then at featherweight the year after when I was 29. I think I was 28 when I was made captain of the home counties. I’ve been captain of Cheshunt ABC for about 4 years too.

J.McK – Have you trained at Monster gym throughout your amateur career?

D.L – No, I was at Cheshunt ABC for about 9 years and trained there. I sometimes went to Monster gym to spar local professionals such as Ashley Sexton and Charlie Hoy. Now I’m at Sims gym in Hainault and train under Peter Sims.

J.McK – What do you feel will be the biggest difference from amateur to pro?

D.L – Sounds a bit obvious but the lighter gloves and no head guard. It don’t bother me though but it will be strange.

J.McK – What’s it been like training at Sims gym and being around pro boxers such as Darren Barker and Martin J Ward?

D.L – It’s an amazing experience training at Sims gym, being around top professional boxers. I had a spar with Martin J Ward as he was the closest to my weight and Peter had not seen me spar, so he had to try get some idea of what it was like when someone is throwing punches back at me. It was a great experience.

J.McK – Can you describe how your training is different, now that you’re preparing for life as a pro boxer?

D.L – I now train in the mornings and then go to work after, whereas before it would be the other way round. Training is also harder, it’s more 1 on 1 with a trainer, so constant hard work. It also allows me to do more and learn more quickly.

J.McK – Can you tell me where and when you’re making your pro debut and at what weight?

D.L – It’s looking like October 5 on the undercard of Liam Shinkwin, although there is a possibility of September 7 at York Hall. I’ll be fighting at featherweight with the plan to try super-bantamweight down the line.

J.McK – How did the alias ‘Lionheart’ come about?

D.L – Well everyone says I battle every fight, never give up, a bit of a warrior. And I was watching Robin Hood and of course you have King Richard the Lionheart for being a warrior. Plus it works well seeing as my surname is Leo for the lion part and I have a lot of heart.

J.McK – Have you any favourite fighters you enjoy watching, past and/or present?

D.L – When I did get into boxing at a late age it was when Ricky Hatton was on the up and beat Kostya Tszyu. And when I started to watch footage of past boxers, I became a fan of Tyson in his prime and George Foreman. Now I’m a massive fan of Mayweather, the guys skills have to go down as all time best. I like to follow Miguel Cotto as well.

J.McK – Outside of boxing, what hobbies do you have?

D.L – I love sport generally. Football was my number one sport and still a favourite of mine, but boxing tops it now. But like I say I love sport, Tennis, Cricket, Rugby etc.

J.McK – Finally, is there anyone that you’d like to thank that has helped you throughout your career?

D.L – Yeah actually, my first coach Ron Walton who passed away last year. He started me off when no one thought I’d be any good and instilled that warrior and battler influence in me. And also massive thanks to Peter Sims for taking me on and giving me this amazing experience so far.

Leo’s journey as a professional boxer has already begun. He’s training mightily hard to get in the best shape possibly. He’s listening intently to trainer, Peter Sims, who will help him fine tune his style and give him advice. Fellow professional boxers will also give him advice. It’s going to be tough, but also enjoyable for him.

I wish him all the best throughout his professional career!

For more information on when and where David Leo will be making his pro debut, get in touch with him via twitter @lionheartboxer

KEVIN MITCHELL & BETFAIR’S PRIZEFIGHTER LIGHT-WELTERWEIGHTS III

  The 31st edition of Betfair’s Prizefighter tournament takes place at the historical sporting arena that is York Hall, in Bethnal Green on July 6. which sees Dagenham’s Kevin Mitchell headlining on the night.

Each of the eight Prizefighters are on a mission to claim the winners trophy, with a cash prize of £32,000 also up for grabs.

This Prizefighter is one of the most intriguing and finely balanced to date. The quarter-final draw could see a rematch and a trilogy. Bushey Heath’s, Liam Shinkwin, and Upminster’s, Ryan Taylor, met on March 9, at Wembley arena. They battled it out over 10 rounds which saw Shinkwin claim the Southern area lightweight title. Danny Connor and Chris Evangelou could be on a collison course to meet for a third time in nine months. On September 8, Connor claimed the Southern area light-welterweight title. Many who witnesssed the contest, as well as Evangelou, believed the decision to award Connor the points victory was controversial. Connor happily offered Evangelou a rematch. Also on March 9, at Wembley arena, Connor successfully defended the title and this time there was nothing controversial about the decision.

Both Taylor and Evangelou may not be too bothered about whether or not they meet Shinkwin and Connor again, but I bet they are thinking about meeting them at the back of their minds.

Three of the fighters put their unbeaten records on the line, which includes Shinkwin, Islington’s, Charlie Rice, and Rotherhithe’s, Eren Arif. Also in the lineup is Carshalton’s, Tony Owen.

Prizefighter is the perfect platform for one of these fighters to make a name for themselves as it will be shown live on sky sports. Whoever is victorious in this tournament it will give them added confidence to progress in their careers. Even if they are not successful, they are coming to fight their hearts out and not just to make up the numbers. They will catch the eye of the crowd with their heart and desire. A lot of these fighters have a style that will gel nicely with one another. This will bode well for for the tournament.

These fighters are still young, so whoever falls short can still bounce back and have successful careers. That have that ‘never give up’ mentality.

The format consists of a quarter-final, a semi-final and a final. Each bout is over 3×3 minute rounds.

Key facts regarding the Prizefighters:

Ryan ‘Crash Bang’ Taylor is currently 7(3)-1–1. Residence – Upminster, London. 25 years of age. Stance – Orthodox. Rounds boxed – 44

Liam Shinkwin is currently 6(0)-0-1. Residence – Bushey Heath, Hertfordshire. 27 years of age. Stance – Orthodox. Rounds boxed – 38

Danny ‘Cassius’ Connor is currently 8(0)-5-1. Residence – Hackbridge, Surrey. 26 years of age (turns 27 on June 16). Stance – Orthodox. Rounds boxed – 78

Chris ‘The Flash’ Evangelou is currently 9(1)-2-0. Residence – Enfield, London. 27 years of age. Stance – Orthodox. Rounds boxed – 55

Tony Owen is currently 14(2)-1-0. Residence – Carshalton, London. Stance – Southpaw. Rounds boxed – 78

Charlie Rice is currently 6(1)-0-0. Residence – Islington, London. 20 years of age (turns 21 on June 21). Stance – Orthodox. Rounds boxed – 29

Eren Arif is currently 3(0)-0-0. Residence – Rotherhithe, London. 27 years of age. Stance – Orthodox. Rounds boxed – 12

Matty Tew is currently 12(3)-1-0. Residence – Southampton, Hampshire. 30 years of age. Stance – Orthodox. Rounds boxed – 60

As mentioned, Kevin Mitchell, headlines the show and he is aiming to bounce back from defeat to WBO lightweight champion, Ricky Burns. Mitchell, now 28, challenged Burns for the WBO title in Glasgow, Scotland, last September. Unfortunately, Mitchell was stopped in the 4th round. ‘The Hammer’ is still young and has bags of talent. He is more than capable of competing against the best the lightweight division has to offer. Future contests against the likes of Gavin Rees, Derry Mathews and Anthony Crolla could well take place. These matchups would be extremely popular with boxing fans and would sell very well.

I have my ticket for this show and I really can not wait for it. I wish Kevin Mitchell and all the Prizefighters the best of luck on the night and for the rest of their careers.

Chris Eubank Jr – Can he follow in his Father’s footsteps?

We all know who Chris Eubank is…an eccentric character who was (and still is), adored by many. He was a true warrior throughout his days as a professional boxer, who was involved in some of the greatest fights ever witnessed on British soil. Nowadays, we have another Chris Eubank on the scene, who has his own unique personality and fighting traits. In fact, some say that he tries his best to be his Father. Chris Eubank Jr everybody. I can tell you that he is not like his Father and he is his own Man. He wants to show us all in Britain that he means business and has big plans in boxing. He is actually aiming to follow in his Father’s footsteps and that is to one day become a World champion.

Eubank Jr is now 23 years of age. He turned pro in November 2011 and has since had nine pro bouts. He was kept busy during 2012, in which he fought a total of eight times in ten months. Due to unfortunate circumstances though in 2013, Eubank Jr has not fought once, and this has left him feeling both angry and frustrated. His fans have also grown impatient and had bombarded him with several messages via twitter, wanting to find out when he was due back in the ring. After six months of inactivity, he finally returns to action on June 8. Nottingham’s Tyan Booth will be his opponent on the James DeGale-Stjepan Bozic undercard at Glow, in Bluewater, Kent. Eubank Jr is planning to showcase his skills on the night, and in the process let his frustrations out on Booth. He is aiming to make a big statement come fight time.

Eubank Jr’s team will be aiming to keep him busy again with the intention of getting him in line for a shot at a domestic title. The British middleweight scene is thriving at the minute, with the likes of John Ryder and Billy Joe Saunders surely on team Eubank’s radar. The thought of Eubank Jr mixing it with the likes of those two excites many fans, but first he must get past Booth.

Eubank Jr’s opponent is Tyan Booth (11-9-2, 2 KO’s), who is 30 years of age and hails from Nottingham, England. In comparison to Eubank Jr he is older and more experienced. He has fought for domestic titles in the past, including a British Masters middleweight title, a European middleweight title and an English middleweight title. Unfortunately, Booth came up short in each of those contests. He will be aiming to spoil the party on June 8.

Eubank Jr is hungry and I think he will beat Booth. I believe Eubank Jr will land solid shots throughout, beating Booth to the punch and should have the power to trouble him. However, I do not think Booth will be blown away early.

Eubank Jr will be knocking on the door of domestic titles soon I think. We will witness him develop over time I am sure, but, will we witness him become a World beater and a World champion…