By Mark Pickering: When a former kickboxer in his mid-30’s makes the transition to the sweet science observers would be forgiven for not taking a name. Yet those at Elephant and Castle Leisure Centre in 2002 witnessed the debut of a future world heavyweight title challenger in Matt Skelton, a name that will make history on Saturday. The Bedford Banger will become the oldest first-time challenger for a world heavyweight title when he faces World Boxing Association champion Ruslan Chagaev in Dusseldorf, Germany..
Prior to his defection Skelton was one of premier names in Japanese fighting organization K-1, which combines techniques from various stand-up disciplines.
He quickly ascended through the domestic ranks to little fanfare and public acknowledgment. Despite his advancing years and battling to emerge from boxing’s backwaters, Skelton was unperturbed and continued to let his fists do the talking albeit more in hope than expectation.
With his career lacking direction despite continuing to register victory after victory the Englishman enlisted the services of Frank Warren and bestowed him the titanic task of landing him a world title shot.
After a make-or-break win over Danny Williams and half a decade from his first foray into boxing Skelton, who has tasted defeat only once in twenty-two outings, now has his date with destiny.
Skelton, whose bidding to become Britain’s first heavyweight world champion since Lennox Lewis retired in 2004, last saw action in July in an uninspiring victory over Michael Sprott.
Uzbekistan’s Chagaev, who captured the WBA crown against previously unbeaten Russian Nikolay Valuev, dispatched Sprott in eight rounds in 2006.
The much-admired World Champion is dubbed the ‘White Tyson’ for his knockout power after stopping 17 of his 23 opponents, Chagaev, 29, is the clear favorite to retain his crown in his first title defense and preserve his perfect record in his adopted homeland of Germany.
But the challenger, who turns 41 next month, has overcome the odds his entire career and has his sights on a career-best performance, one befitting of the occasion which could see him realise his dream and score a dramatic upset.
MPPickering@hotmail.com