Sprott out of prizefighter

Perkins vows to do former British champion proud

Last updated: 29th September 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sprott out of prizefighter

Perkins: Late call-up

LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
Prizefighter Heavyweights III
October 2
Live on Sky Sports 1 from 9pm

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Undefeated heavyweight Neil Perkins has been given a career-changing opportunity to take part in Prizefighter II on October 2.

The 27-year-old has been drafted into the eight-man event at short notice after Michael Sprott pulled out following the death of his sister.

"This is a huge opportunity for me and I'm going to take it," said Perkins, who is unbeaten in four professional fights.

"I got the phone call saying if I wanted to be in Prizefighter and I had 10 minutes to decide but I didn't need any time and immediately said 'I'm in'.

"You live with the fear everyday of knowing the names involved and you question yourself whether you are good enough.

"But the more time I've thought about it, the more I realise that over three rounds anyone could win this tournament.

"This format will suit the shorter, lighter guys and my gameplan is all about using pace.

"I won 18 out of 21 amateur fights and that's going to stand me in good stead."

Tragedy

Perkins, a former ABA finalist, runs a gym in Birmingham and has recently sparred with former British title challenger John McDermott.

Each Prizefighter fight will be shown live on Sky Sports and Perkins hopes to perform well after replacing former British and Commonwealth Champion Sprott.

"It's a real tragedy," added Perkins. "It makes you realise how close everyone in the boxing community is.

"Michael was one of my early spars as a professional and is a gentleman.

"I hope to do his place in Prizefighter well and be a credit to him. He has fought everyone and always carried himself with dignity - he is a British boxing legend."

Current British Champion Danny Williams and former Olympic Games gold medalist Audley Harrison are among the other competitors, all vying for the £32,000 winner's prize.

Perkins could take on Harrison in the semi-finals if he gets past fellow rookie Danny Hughes in the first round.

Tickets cost £40 and £80 and can be bought from See Tickets on 0871 220 0260, www.seetickets.com or from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.