Matt Skelton: I´m Number One

16.02.07 – Commonwealth heavyweight champion Matt Skelton is backing Audley Harrison to beat Michael Sprott – but has warned his big British rival he’s still number one. Harrison tackles Sprott tomorrow night at Wembley Arena, with the English and EU heavyweight titles on the line. And with the winner pencilled in to fight Skelton in May, the Bedford Bear will be ringside to make sure his rivals don’t steal a march on him..

” I hold the Commonwealth title and only vacated the British title so I could fight Danny Williams,” said Skelton. “I never lost it in the ring.

” At one stage there were three names in the running to be number one in Britain, me, Audley and Danny, but with Danny’s loss, I think it’s down to two.

” Obviously, if you ask me, I’ll say I’m number one, but I’m sure Audley thinks the same. I’d just like the opportunity to prove myself and the winner can go on and fight for a world title later this year. It’s all up for grabs.”

Skelton was recently give the all clear to resume training after he was forced to pull out of a December fight with Harrison because of a hand injury.

And he’s gunning to return for that May date – and expecting Audley to be in the opposite corner.

” I personally think that Harrison might be a little bit too sharp for Sprott,” said Skelton. “I think he might take control in the latter half of the fight, and might get a stoppage around the eighth round.

” I beat Sprott in my 13th fight and I was still learning. When you look at the experience Audley has had, and the fact he seems really motivated now, I think he’ll be the one to come through.

” Michael has got some good experience, and he’s been doing OK in Europe recently but I think Harrison will just have too much for him.

” Whoever wins, I’ll be ready for him in May. People ask me whether I resent Harrison stealing a march on me because he beat Danny, but it doesn’t bother me at all.

” These things happen in boxing, and it’s just up to me to take the limelight back from him.

” In some ways I think my injury may have been a bit of a blessing in disguise because I’ve not had much of a break from boxing since I turned professional four or five years ago.

” I had the chance to have a good break – although I made sure I stayed in shape – and now I’m back in the gym and raring to go again.”