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Hearn: behind Prizefighter

These British heavyweights might not be world-beaters but this is a fabulous chance for real exposure and will surely launch a career or two.

Adam Smith
Quotes of the week

Every fighter dreams of a little fame - that crucial night when, under the full glare of the cameras, lies the opportunity of rich rewards.

They could become stars, they might never be heard of again, but they have a chance. Dreams can be made through a mixture of skill, determination and good fortune, and at whatever level you are, you can become a champion.

These times can be so very precious and so very short. I always remember respected American fight figure Teddy Atlas telling me that Mike Tyson was a 'shooting star'; that his time at the top was explosive, bright and brilliant - but that 'shooting stars don't last long.'

Some fighters only get that one really amazing night, that so-called 15 minutes of fame, before they come crashing down.

The heavyweights have endured plenty of these rise and falls and their ups and downs have always been mesmerizing. The big boys have long enjoyed attention, due to the drama of the knockout, where one punch can change everything.

And with the world and domestic heavyweight scenes so flat at the moment, enter an intriguing concept and night which Sky Sports will be bringing to you on Friday, April 11. Prizefighter will be the first heavyweight tournament in Britain for almost 30 years.

Drama and passion

Eight heavyweights going head-to-head in an elimination event full of drama and passion. Quarter-finals, semi-finals, final. Back-to-back in one fascinating night. Three, three-minute rounds. Plus the incentive of a £25K cash pot for the winner.

Barry Hearn's Prizefighter has got the trade buzzing. The Contender series in America has certainly helped. Peter Manfredo had that unlikely shot at Joe Calzaghe, and coming up the night after Prizefighter, Alfonso Gomez challenges the wonderful Miguel Cotto, also live on Sky Sports. Then Steve Forbes gets his dream shot at the Golden Boy, Oscar De la Hoya in May.

These British heavyweights might not be world-beaters but this is a fabulous chance for real exposure and will surely launch a career or two.

They are a charismatic group with some talent. David Dolan won three successive ABA titles, Billy Bessey won one; David Ferguson's unbeaten and believes he's the pick; Colin Kenna is seasoned and has fought in the highest class; Alex Ibbs is the baby of the bunch with all the ambition at 22.

They also cover the length and breadth of the British Isles. Martin Rogan says Irish eyes will be smiling; Darren Morgan believes his Welsh power will prove crucial. Paul Butlin says Melton Mowbray will become famous for something other than pork pies!

Even the two reserves can't wait. London's flashy Derek Chisora and Morecambe's tough Dave Ingleby may well be needed if there are cuts or injuries on the night, and a winning fighter is unfortunately forced out. These two will be waiting in the wings, ready to step in at any stage - maybe even the final. Expect twists and turns.

The eight participants and two reserves came to the Sky Sports studios this week, where they were made to feel like stars for the day. Make-up for the hardest of men; promo shoots, interviews, and a real excitement ahead of Prizefighter.

Career-changing

They all have their ideas and tactics. Some will start very fast; some will go flat out for the knockout; some will box; some will pace themselves. The beauty of this is that any one of them could win. Will it be an unbeaten youngster, or a sly, old fox who's been around the block and possesses the experience of coping with different styles?

As I say none of them are world-beaters. Not even close. But this could be a career-changing night for them. The purists might not like it, but the proof is in what the fighters and fans think. Tickets have sold fast and the boxers literally cannot wait.

Good luck to them all. I for one, think its a great idea. Many of these heavyweights are scratching around for paydays, and most have to have another job too. This merry assortment features a farmer, a doorman, a binman, a factory worker, even an actor! They all have families to look after.

Believe me, they want to win this. They crave the glory and they fancy the money - big time! They must take their chance and seize the stage on their night. They are in the limelight and it may just open the door to bigger things.

Prizefighter. From the home of British boxing,York Hall, Bethnal Green. Friday, April 11. Don't miss it!

Flashy hopeful

On this Friday Fight Night, British super-flyweight champion Chris Edwards will certainly not want to lose his hard-earned crown at the first hurdle.

Dismissed as a journeyman, Edwards had to take fights at very short notice for little money and when he went into the ring against flashy hopeful Jamie McDonnell in December, he had lost more than he'd won. Still his fiery grit, strength and desire meant Edwards became the first British champion from Stoke in 85 years.

Now he must defend it against another young pretender, Andy Bell from Doncaster. Bell has locked himself away training at altitude on Mount Teide - where Nigel Benn honed his body for so many years.

It's the come-forward pocket-aggressor against the slick boxer in another cracking blend of styles on what should be a top night in Barnsley. We also feature a special attraction - the lightweight battle between Cuba's technically brilliant Joel Casamayor and the exciting hard-hitter from Australia, Michael Katsidis.

So a double delight for you on Friday as boxing's back with a bang! But who will make the most of their time in the spotlight?