Who is this mystery Prizefighter?
The latest instalment of Prizefighter has thrown up the interesting concept of a wildcard entrant. With the seven other fighters named as Michael Sprott, Mike Holden, Kevin McBride, Matt Skelton, Danny Hughes, Carl Baker and Adam Ali, all the talk is to who this mysterious wildcard is.
The draw was announced earlier today (which can be viewed here http://www.senore.com/Prizefighter-The-heavyweights-draw-a24740), while all the other fighters plan for their October the 9th fights, Baker has been left in the dark as to who he will actually be fighting.
“The Fridge” can do nothing but prepare for anyone, right now it’s like something out of Mexican-masked Lucho Libra wrestling. There should be an announcement before the fight, but as it stands Barry Hearn and co are keeping schtum.
Normally Prizefighter keeps it domestic, so it should be a familiar face from the British scene, but with the fanfare surrounding this mysterious fighter perhaps it is some ailing international former world champion or famous stateside fighter.
Here are some candidates:
Tyson Fury
Tyson Fury is an enigma of a fighter. Against John McDermott in their first match-up
Fury was handed the victory on a plate by a referee who must have got distracted. Yet he came back better and more determined and knocked out McDermott in a rematch in June.
Despite wobbling to a KO victory second time round and holding an unblemished record, Fury is far from a complete fighter, and Prizefighter would be a great opportunity for him to prove himself once and for all. It could also be a stepping stone to a British or European title shot, however he may have, or at least believe he has, bigger fish to fry.
Larry Olubamiwo
“The War Machine” is a fine specimen and a terrifying opponent. Olubamiwo started his career as many naturally huge fighters do by looking the part but lacking the ability to box. Since then he has worked on his technique and looked much better, boasting genuine power and far more control, with three KO’s in his last three fights. The War Machine could be the next big thing in British heavyweight boxing if he continues in this vein, and is a thoroughly nice bloke to boot. He is Frank Bruno II.
Richard Towers
At 6ft 8in Richard Towers lives up to his name. On the fast track to big things, “The Inferno” is essentially the British Nicolay Valuev; however he does seem to improve his technique with every outing.
The Sheffield man has been outlined as a genuine prospect for the future having come to the sport late after a stint in prison. Prizefighter could be the opportunity for him to make a name on a larger scale.
John McDermott
Big John’s career needs a boost after a second defeat to Fury. The once promising former British champion’s record now reads 25-7. With four defeats on the trot he is in dire need of a career refresher and this could be just the opportunity he is looking for.
Oliver McCall/Hasim Rahman/Francios Botha
Very far left of field, but if it is a big name is in the offing there is a plethora of former champions, veteran Americans and past-it contenders who should have retired years ago knocking about.
Oliver McCall and Hasim Rahman fit that bill and have both been active recently, while South African Francois Botha was in the ring against fellow old-timer Evander Holyfield in April.
It would be a real coup if they could get a big name fighter like that down to York Hall, even if they are years past their sell-by date.
It could literally be anyone though, it’s being talked up like someone who was a major name at some stage, so hopefully it will at least live up to expectation.
Maybe this is what David Haye has been busy getting ready for.
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