by James Slater – Tomorrow night’s “Prizefighter, The Heavyweights” has attracted a lot of attention, and the show at London’s Excel Arena promises to be great entertainment. Yet despite the fact that eight heavyweight hopefuls will be in with a chance of grabbing the trophy and the prize money that goes with it, most, if not all of the talk surrounding the tournament has been about archrivals Danny Williams and Audley Harrison..
These two have a history, of course; having twice met in the ring before. Reigning British champion Williams scored first blood by out-pointing the 2000 Olympic gold medallist, before “A-Force” turned the tables via 4th-round TKO in the return. Now both big men are hoping to get through to tomorrow evening’s final and settle their score once and for all. Of course, there is the chance that either man could be upset along the way and not get to the final, but most experts seem to feel it will be either Williams or Harrison who winds up winning tomorrow’s show.
Fellow Olympian David Price of Liverpool – who won bronze as a super-heavyweight in Beijing – sees Harrison winning.
“It’s a great tournament and it’s got everyone talking,” Price said to The Liverpool Echo. “And I honestly believe that Audley is going to win it. He’s certainly convinced me he’s going to do it in the interviews and I’d really like to see him win it. He’s become a bit of a joke I know but it’s terrible the way his career has gone. People say he’s only got himself to blame, but he won the Olympic gold medal.
“The shorter fights of Prizefighter could suit him too, but there are plenty of dark horses in there, like Irishman Coleman Barrett.”
Price, who has had just one pro bout thus far (a win), spoke of how he was asked to fight in tomorrow’s tourney, but rejected the offer because he felt it wasn’t the right time for him. The 26-year-old big man does not feel the tourney will suit Danny Williams either.
“The format won’t suit Williams,” he said. “He’s used to 12 rounds now after being at title level for the past ten or fifteen years. It’ll be hard to adjust back to an explosive three rounds.”
One man who disagrees with Price is Barry Hearn, the promoter and creator of “Prizefighter.” Hearn says he picks Williams to win tomorrow.
“Danny has been there and got the T-shirt – you don’t stop Mike Tyson and go into any fight fearful,” Hearn told The South London Press. “He’s got the power and technique to handle any heavyweight in the world. There has been a lot of attention on Audley entering but Danny is my favourite.”
While many fans will disagree with the promoter’s claim that Williams has the power and technique to “handle any heavyweight in the world,” Danny does have a great chance to win tomorrow.
Hopefully, after all the hype, Williams and Harrison WILL both get to the final. My pick for if they do? I see Harrison winning on points.