Light-welter belter

Johnny Nelson run the rule over the latest Prizefighter tournament and says it is better than ever!

Latest line-up is the best ever, says Nelson

We didn't think anyone could top the last Prizefighter line-up, but by God has Barry Hearn surpassed that. The success of this tournament is unbelievable and after the initial burst, it seems the people behind it have now grasped what they need to make it really capture the imagination. Getting the heavyweights and to an extent the cruiserweights involved, meant they had some bangers in there but from that, they have worked out the array of talent and experience you need. We have a former world champion, former European champions, the British champion, big names and of course, the young, hungry unbeaten fighters. It makes it so hard to pick and we've all been made to look stupid trying to choose a winner before, but this looks like it will be the best yet. And there will be two key elements to someone coming out on top on Friday night: speed and preparation. Speed is so important in Prizefighter. Slow starts are out of the question and you've got to be able to set a pace and box smartly. That doesn't mean looking for the KO, but boxing sensibly - particularly when we are talking about the smaller guys. The closer we get to fight night, the more you are hearing stories about who's been sparring who, who's at their peak, or who sees this is a bit of fun and a chance to earn some money. Well, it ain't easy money, so these guys better have put the work in in the gym! Here's Johnny's verdict on all eight fighters...

Ted Bami

Back for more punishment, but I'll tell you what, he has to be the favourite because he is the only one that has done all this before. He knows what to do, more importantly what not to do and above all, he knows what preparation is needed. He might be a little bit of a slow starter as he was in the Welterweight competition, but I can't see him making the same mistake this time.
Age: 31
Nickname: Dangerous
Home town: Brixton, London
Professional record: W26 (13 by KO), L5, D0. Total: 31 fights
Achievement: Former European Light-Welterweight champion, former WBF Light-Welterweight champion

David Barnes

I am leaning towards David because I saw him at a show last week and he looked fresh, he looked up for it. He is the one still progressing, he has the buregening reputation and he has the most to lose. I talked to him and he was so enthusiastic and of although he can be guilty of starting slow, he has the boxing skills to win this. I think he will, as well.
Age: 28
Nickname: None
Home town: Manchester
Professional record: W24 (11 by KO), L1, D1. Total: 26 fights
Achievement: Former British Champion at light-welterweight and welterweight

Jason Cook

I have a feeling his mind will be writing cheques his body can't cash. Yes, he has had a glorious past, but even I still watch a fight now and then and think I can come back and do it! You only have to look at Michael Brodie last week; he knew what to do, but just wasn't fast enough to do it - and I fear that will be the case for Jason.
Age: 34
Nickname: The Power
Home town: Maesteg, Wales
Professional record: W25 (12 by KO), L2, D0. Total: 27 fights
Achievement: Former European Lightweight Champion, former IBO Lightweight Champion

Michael Grant

He's undefeated and by all accounts was a decent amateur, so might not be a bad wildcard. I've got to be honest and say I don't know too much about him, but he does seem quite cocksure. Now, whether that remains the case when he is backstage with all these established names, the array of talent around him, remains to be seen.
Age: 26
Nickname: Mikey Spice
Home town: Tottenham, London
Professional record: W12 (1 by KO), L0, D1. Total: 13 fights
Achievement: ABA Champion in 2005, undefeated as a professional

Barrie Jones

I have seen him box on a couple of times and he's a good, average fighter, nothing outstanding. I wouldn't pick him to win, but he is one of the lesser names on the card and will relish the chance to upset the odds. Prizefighter will be decided by who's prepared the best and if Jones has put the work in, he could spring a surprise.
Age: 24
Nickname: -
Home town: Ferndale, Wales
Professional record: W16 (7 by KO), L3, D0. Total: 19 fights
Achievement: Fought for the British Welterweight Championship

Colin Lynes

He could be in with a real shout because he is a fighter that loves to set a pace. He uses his jab well and although he not a knockout artist, he knows how to steal fights. Ovil McKenzie stole the Cruiserweight prize by doing just that and Lynes is also smart enough to realise you cannot afford to commit yourself in this format.
Age: 31 (32 in November)
Nickname: Lyno
Home town: Hornchurch, Essex
Professional record: W31 (12 by KO), L6, D0. Total: 37 fights
Achievement: Former European and British Light-Welterweight Champion, former IBO Light-Welterweight Champion

Gavin Rees

Has stamina and is a real scrapper. I feel a bit sorry for Gavin because when he was world champion he was the one everyone wanted to fight and Andriy Kotelnik got there first and that was it. But he is tough, he will keep going and if anyone in this tournament under-estimates him, they'll be in for a surprise.
Age: 29
Nickname: The Rock
Home town: Newbridge, Wales
Professional record: W28 (14 by KO), L1, D0. Total: 29 fights
Achievement: Former WBA Light-Welterweight Champion

Young Mutley

He is the rank outsider with the bookies and I have to say, I agree. Yes Muttley can throw hard shots, but he has been battered in sparring by Kell Brook (before he was British champion) and Ryan Rhodes and I just think he cannot cope with the pace of three rounds. He will want to stand there and throw big shots and that is not how you win Prizefighter.
Age: 33
Nickname: None
Home town: West Bromwich
Professional record: W26 (13 by KO), L3, D0. Total: 29 fights
Achievement: Former British Welterweight Champion, fought for British and European light-welterweight titles