FORMER British Champion Young Mutley believes his boxing future is on the line in next week’s Prizefighter Light-Welterweights. Mutley, 33, has seen his career go backwards in the last two years after he lost to Colin Lynes in July 2007 with the British and European belts up for grabs. Another setback last month, when he was knocked out inside three rounds by Frenchman Mihaita Mutu, has left Mutley needing a big performance in Prizefighter. “My career is at a low but Prizefighter is what I need to get me back up there,” admitted Mutley, who has won 26 out of 30 professional contests..
“I would have to think long and hard about retiring if I didn’t do well but this is a great opportunity and a lifeline for me.
“I’m learning in every fight but people haven’t seen the best of me yet.
“At Prizefighter you will see more combinations from me, me hitting harder than ever, more speed and me moving my legs more instead of being flat-footed.
“I’m excited about it and if I feel alright on the night then there will be problems for the others.
“Prizefighter is just my thing as you can be explosive from round one. It suits my style perfectly as I like to mix it up and go for it right from the start.”
Prizefighter Light-Welterweights takes place at the National Hall, Olympia, London on Friday, December 4 and the fast-paced, one-night tournament features a number of former World, European and British Champions.
Each fight lasts a maximum of three rounds and the last man standing wins £32,000 and receives a major boost to their careers.
The draw, made by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jnr, pits Mutley against talented Welsh youngster Barrie Jones, while Mutley could face Lynes again in the semi-finals.
“It would be good to get some revenge over Lynes and get him back for that defeat,” added West Bromwich-based Mutley.
“He boxed my head off when we last fought but I was weight-drained. I could see the punches coming but couldn’t move out the way as I had nothing left.
“I would like to get to the final and fight (former WBA World Champion) Gavin Rees in the final. Gavin’s a good fighter and I respect him – that’s why I want to fight him.
“But I know I would beat him as I’m a lot bigger, stronger, faster and hit harder than him. I have all the tools to beat anybody.”
Interview with former British Champion David Barnes
DAVID Barnes is ready to resurect his boxing career after a hand injury nearly forced him out of the sport. Barnes, 28, is one of eight British fighters aiming to win £32,000 by winning next week’s Prizefighter Light-Welterweights. A former British Champion at both welterweight and light-welterweight, Barnes has not been in the ring since injury forced him to relinquish his light-welterweight title last winter. “I broke my hand in my title victory over Barry Morrison but two weeks before my next defence (against Colin Lynes) I broke it again,” said Barnes.
“I’ve lost my belt out of the ring twice and it’s been so frustrating as I’m undefeated as a British Champion.
“It was a very bad injury and the doctors told me I hadn’t rested it enough when it happened again. That’s why I’ve not been in a rush to get back in the ring otherwise it would’ve gone again.
“At one point I thought about retiring but I’m still young and plenty to give the sport so I’m not thinking about retirement anymore.
“I have to get my career back on track so I’m very happy to be in Prizefighter and the injury is not a worry at all as I’ve been sparring with top fighters in the gym.”
Manchester-based Barnes has only suffered one defeat in 26 professional contests and hopes a Prizefighter victory could lead to a shot at European Champion Paul McCloskey.
After Barnes suffered his injury, McCloskey stepped in at short notice and defeated Lynes and has since gone on to win the European title.
“I expect Prizefighter to be a stepping stone for me to get back to title level,” said Barnes.
“I should’ve fought McCloskey for the British title a couple of years ago so hopefully I can win Prizefighter and get a crack at him.
“Everyone has wrote me off but I’m not going anywhere. I still believe I have the talent but I don’t have anything to prove to anyone.
“People were saying I had lost it and I had gone but that’s just other people’s opinions.”
Ironically, the quarter-final draw, which was conducted by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jnr, has paired Barnes with Lynes.
If Barnes is successful he will meet either Young Muttley, another former British Champion, or talented prospect Barrie Jones, while former WBA World Champion Gavin Rees is a potential opponent in the final.
Prizefighter Light-Welterweights takes place at the National Hall, Olympia, London on Friday, December 4. Tickets cost £40 (unreserved) and £80 (reserved) and are available from See Tickets on 0870 903 9033, www.seetickets.com or from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900. All the action will also be screened live on Sky Sports 1.
Prizefighter Light-Welterweights
Friday, December 4
Quarter-final draw
1. Michael Grant (Tottenham, London) v Jason Cook (Maesteg, Wales)
2. Ted Bami (Brixton, London) v Gavin Rees (Newbridge, Wales)
3. Colin Lynes (Hornchurch, Essex) v David Barnes (Manchester)
4. Young Muttley (West Bromwich) v Barrie Jones (Newbridge, Wales)
Semi-final draw
1. Michael Grant or Jason Cook v Ted Bami or Gavin Rees
2. Colin Lynes or David Barnes v Young Muttley or Barrie Jones