Adam Smith looks back on a gripping week of boxing and tips Welsh wonder Nathan Cleverly for big things.
Replacement McKenzie too good for veterans
What an entertaining week it has been for fight fans! Ring intelligence ultimately mastered terrific effort, extraordinary sportsmanship and high drama.
Tuesday night saw Prizefighter at it's finest. If the first Heavyweight tournament was the most raw and exciting - being a new and vibrant idea - the Cruiserweights provided a close second.
There was a big buzz before this event in Earl's Court because of the strong field of former champions; many being domestic stars and golden oldies we thought had long retired!
The talented, skilful Dean Francis was a hot favourite to take the trophy - providing his bad shoulder held up - and the former excellent super-middleweight was big enough at this weight.
Francis looked quick, elusive and utter class as he breezed his way past Neil Simpson in the opening quarter-final. After that fight, Dean was an astonishing 4/6 on to win the tournament - an unprecedented price for any Prizefighter show.
The clash between exciting old rivals Bruce Scott and John 'Buster' Keeton was always going to be gruelling. Scott had come through rough patches to win their previous two meetings, and found himself on the floor early.
Scott had whipped himself into shape, but the inactivity caught up with him as Keeton's will and desire proved slightly too much. It was a cracking nine minutes though between the two ageing boxing relics, whose legs and reflexes had seen better days but whose determination and fire was simply fabulous to witness.
Time takes its toll
Terry Dunstan had only fought once in a decade! The former world title challenger could well have been the best of the bunch at his peak - he was also a serious sparring partner for Frank Bruno and Lennox Lewis. That was, though, a long, long time ago.
Dunstan did look in tremendous physical condition, yet he boxed like a fighter trying desperately to remember the moves. His timing was off, and the tactics of natural light-heavyweight Ovill McKenzie were spot on.
The Derby- based Jamaican was so much smaller and lighter than everyone else in the tournament, but had been active and was in superb nick under the wily tutelage of the father-and-son team of Mike and Jason Shinfield.
McKenzie's always been a dangerous puncher and had Dunstan rocking and down, but he also used his youth and movement to get in and out of range. A clever strategy.
Fighting Irish
In the final quarter-final Micky Steeds was gunned down by Belfast veteran Darren Corbett, who began his Prizefighter challenge by rolling back the years. Corbett's win made him at least a rival on paper to Francis. Yet then came the huge turnaround as Prizefighter: The Cruiserweights was blown wide open.
The biggest upset we've seen in the series unfolded in the first semi-final as Keeton - a 16/1 outsider celebrating his 37th birthday - knocked Francis down (twice) and out in the very first round.
Then came another upset, albeit not quite as surprising when Ovill McKenzie was too fast and fiery for a tired-looking Corbett. The amiable Irishman had put so much energy and showboating into his first fight and also, following Francis's quick demise, had had minimal rest between the bouts. Again smart plans were laid by Team McKenzie as Corbett was outboxed, then crowded and taken out. Ovill had made it into the final.
The biggest starting odds of any previous Prizefighter winner had been Michael Lomax's at 6/1. Now the 6th and 7th in the Cruiserweight betting (McKenzie and Keeton had actually drifted to 25/1 after Francis's first win) were the two remaining.
Underdogs always capture the imagination. The final was absorbing if not a classic. Buster had been busted and bruised in that torrid fight with Bruce Scott, and just couldn't really get going, as McKenzie once again fought an intelligent fight. He used his extra hand-speed, youth and fitness, plus a big heart.
Many would have liked Keeton to have had the big birthday present of 25 grand on a fairytale night, but it wasn't to be. Huge congratulations to McKenzie, who, against the odds, carved his way through the old bangers. Not bad for a late replacement who came in at two weeks notice, claims to be able to make super-middleweight, and had lost three of his last four prior to Prizefighter.
Sexton ruins Rogan's homecoming
Martin Rogan hit the headlines on the first Prizefighter when he triumphed at heavyweight. Just over a year later, Rogan was the star attraction last Friday as we were treated to one of the most electric, atmospheric and excellent nights we have had all year.
Belfast was brilliant. The cacophony of noise in the Odyssey Arena was phenomenal as thousands came out to support their cult hero. The place was absolutely rocking.
Rogie's enjoyed an incredible rise - it's a feel-good Rocky like tale. The kid that grew up in a huge family on the hard streets of West Belfast, and who had never laced a pair of gloves on until his late 20's, is now packing out big arenas.
Having won Prizefighter, Rogan took the big name scalps of Audley Harrison and Matt Skelton...a terrific story, but this year must have also taken its toll too. The Skelton fight was savage.
On paper it seemed that Rogan had the perfect homecoming fight and a safe defence of his Commonwealth title. But of course with heavyweights, anything can happen.
Norwich's skilful but light-hitting Sam Sexton looked the ideal opponent- especially because he had already been stopped in six, when running out of steam against fellow hopeful Derek Chisora.
Sexton though had trained frenetically, boxed well and to a considered plan. Rogan had his moments but was out of sorts - possibly a stylistical struggle, but maybe the fact that the Skelton war had taken more out of him than he had realised.
Rogan's left eye begun to swell badly and then closed quickly in the middle rounds; it reminded me of Chris Eubank's horrible predicament when he battled Carl Thompson.
Eight round drama
The eighth round was quite amazing - one of the most dramatic sessions of domestic heavyweight boxing in recent years. Rogan was basically given one more round - on account of the eye worsening - as it was by now virtually shut.
Rogan went for broke and caught Sexton - who suddenly began to unravel; he was stumbling all over the ring. The most astonishing moment came when Sexton seemed gone, and maybe wanted out; his gumshield fell to the canvas, and he dropped his hands by his side. Rogan needed literally one shot to finish the fight and the Belfast fans would have been celebrating all week.
But Rogan didn't throw anything, stood off confused as to what Sexton - or referee Dave Parris were doing - and maybe even showed the most remarkable sportsmanship. Rogan had let Sexton off the hook; moments later the Doctor was called in for a second inspection, Rogan couldn't see how many fingers were being held up, and he was beaten for the first time in 13 professional fights - because of the eye.
It was a cruel ending for Rogan, whose brawn - and decision making - weren't good enough. He didn't use his intelligence when he needed to and a proposed European title tilt is firmly on ice.
Sexton was clever and boxed well. Despite the fact that he was almost knocked out, he fought the fight of his life, and deserves his success. Expect a much anticipated re-match in the autumn.
Up and coming talents
Our bright young things - those star amateurs aiming for professional glory - once again performed.
Billy Joe Saunders is the attacking southpaw teenager who's really catching my eye. I was most impressed with Billy Joe again as he made it 2-0, with both his pro fights ending inside two rounds.
World Amateur Champion Frankie Gavin has the most natural talent, but will take time making the transition. Still Gavin also made it two stoppages in a row, and there's class about his boxing.
The pressure was heavily on the shoulders of our Olympic Gold medallist from Beijing, James DeGale. After the Birmingham boo boys tore into the charismatic but controversial Londoner during a lacklustre debut in February, there was mixed reaction in Ireland.
DeGale was there to make a statement, and was fast, powerful and accurate in securing a quick-fire win. There is something I like about James. He may be cocky, but I think he has the charisma to light up the scene.
With Tony Jeffries and Joe Murray also off to flying professional starts, the future of British boxing suddenly looks a little rosier after the retirement of Joe Calzaghe, and with the end seemingly nigh for Ricky Hatton. Sensible and clever matchmaking is now needed for the hot prospects.
Cleverly lives up to his name
This Friday sees one of our real rising youngsters, and if he's as intelligent in the ring as he is out of it, this Welshman should go on to rule the world.
Nathan Cleverly really lives up to his name. He's brainy enough to be doing a Maths degree at Cardiff University, and his boxing performances have been so bright that many people are now calling Nathan the best in Wales - after Calzaghe's retirement, and Enzo Maccarinelli and Bradley Pryce's recent devastating losses.
Cleverly brings his talent and skills to London to defend his Commonwealth Light-Heavyweight belt against the tough, game former Prizefighter Billy Boyle. Cleverly's just 22, unbeaten in 15, and should be a class above the brave Boyle, but it will be exciting to see.
The action of the last seven days has been thrilling, but as we've seen this week, brain usually beats brawn in boxing. Ring smarts so often overcome sheer valour and spirit. I am now off to catch up with the most ring-intelligent, slick and skilled fighter of this generation.
