Irish interest in Prizefighter draw

28 September 2010

There will be considerable Irish interest in October 9’s Prizefighter Heavyweights IV – but Emerald Isle stars Kevin McBride and Declan Timlin will have a tough time in claiming the title first held by Belfast’s Martin Rogan.

Matt Skelton and Michael Sprott look favourites to meet in the final of the Sky Sports televised Matchroom event after line-up alterations were announced.

The pair have fought twice previously with Skelton coming out on top on both occasions, and now the withdrawal of three fighters has led to a change in the draw, meaning the old foes are on course for a third showdown in the final.

Sprott will be hoping to gain revenge for those defeats but faces a tough opening encounter with Danny Hughes, who got off the canvas against Audley Harrison in their semi-final of the third edition of the Prizefighter Heavyweights before losing to the eventual winner by unanimous decision.

Danny will be a hard fight, he’s up and coming and he showed heart after getting dropped by Audley last time, said Sprott. If I come through this then who knows what might happen but this is going to be explosive and anything could happen as there’s been some real shocks in Prizefighter in the past so I’m fully focused on my bout with Danny.

Skelton will open the nights action against Londoner Ali Adams, with the victor in that fight facing the winner of the second bout of the night between Kevin McBride, the Irishman who was the last fighter to beat Mike Tyson and Franklin Egobi, the Tooting fighter who replaces Michael Holden.

The winner of the Sprott and Hughes clash will face either unbeaten Irishman Declan Timlin a 7-0 fighter who replaces Carl Baker (damaged shoulder) or Shane McPhilbin, the 24 year-old Nottingham boxer fighting for the fourth time in his career who replaces Chris Burton, who suffered a recurrence of an arm injury during sparring.

PRIZEFIGHTER HEAVYWEIGHTS IV DRAW

Matt Skelton v Ali Adams

Kevin McBride v Franklin Egobi

Michael Sprott v Danny Hughes

Declan Timlin v Shane McPhilbin

VIP and Ringside tickets are sold-out for Prizefighter Heavyweights IV but there are a limited number of unreserved tickets available from Matchroom Sport which can be purchased by calling 01277 359900.