Coventry Kid Aims To Be A PrizeFighter

Last updated : 25 January 2011 By Ziad Chaudhry

The ever-popular Prizefighter boxing tournament returns to Kensington Olympia this Saturday evening, writes Ziad Chaudry.

Eight light-heavyweight contenders will be looking to grab both the £32,000 first prize and an open passport to future domestic and international title shots - and promoter Eddie Hearn believes the opportunity will be there waiting for the winner on Saturday evening: "Prizefighter is the perfect platform for a fighter to rocket themselves into contention for an immediate title shot," said Hearn.

"We have a mix of unbeaten, young and experienced boxers taking part.

"Tony Dodson has the experience of high pressure fights, whereas the likes of Llewellyn Davies, Travis Dickinson, Menay Edwards and Billy Slate have their unbeaten records to protect.

"One thing they all share though is a burning desire to be a champion."

"We have seen the event lead to world title shots for Willie Casey and Audley Harrison, Commonwealth title shots for Martin Rogan, Sam Sexton, Martin Murray and Ovill McKenzie and British title fights for Gavin Rees and David Dolan.

"The domestic light-heavyweight division is wide open right now and, commercially and deservedly, the next Prizefighter champ will be a perfect contender for any champion."

One interested observer who will be at ringside on Saturday evening current Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Tony Bellew has already stated he would be open to fight the winner.

The most intriguing quarter-final encounter sees 'Tasty' Travis Dickinson and Llewellyn Davies putting their unbeaten records on the line.

Davies, 27, from Coventry, has five wins to Dickinson's seven. He reckons the winner of his encounter will go on and claim the Prizefighter title: "Out of the eight contenders both Travis and myself are the most ambitious fighters, and whoever can cope with the pressure on the night will go onto win," said Davies.

"We both have what it takes to go on from a victory in Prizefighter and win titles on many levels."

But whoever succeeds they will face the winner of another unbeaten fighter Romford's Billy Slate and Margate super-middleweight campaigner Jack Morris.

In the bottom half of the draw, Liverpool's former British super-middleweight champion Tony Dodson meets Surrey-based Pole Southern Area title holder Michael Banbula, while four-fight unbeaten Menay Edwards clash with St Alban's Joe Smyth.

Tickets, priced at £30 unreserved and £50 ringside, are available by calling Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900 or at the venue, otherwise catch all the action on Sky Sport 1 from 8pm