By James Slater – 35-year-old Michael Sprott of Reading saw what happened to the last fighter to win “Prizefighter, The Heavyweights,” Audley Harrison revived his career and got a shot at the European title. Sprott is also painfully aware of what happened when “A-Force” climbed into the ring, some six months after winning “Prizefighter,” and boxed for the Euro belt – he smashed Sprott to defeat in a sensational 12th and final round..
Now, having done last night what former two-time rival Harrison did last October, and having picked up the nice chunk of change that goes along with winning the Barry Hearn-promoted tourney, Sprott, 35-15(17), is hoping he will enjoy the good luck Harrison enjoyed. As we all know, Harrison’s used his “Prizefighter” triumph as a springboard that ultimately led him to a highly lucrative WBA title challenge of David Haye. What is there out there for Sprott, the man who iced Harrison in three-rounds in their first meeting?
Unfortunately, Sprott is no Olympic gold medallist, and he is no match for “A-Force” when it comes to the ability to fire off great lines. Audley, who really could talk his way into, or out of, anything, even has some fans believing he will beat Haye next month! But Sprott, arguably a better fighter than Harrison, is a more down to earth, humble guy. Also, he has those big losses on his well travelled career record – can he really expect to see last night’s win lead to a shot at the Haye-Harrison winner, or even a shot at the Klitschkos; both of whom he has sparred countless rounds with?
Sprott may well get something out of last night’s tourney win, and he deserves a crack at his old European title surely. But a world title shot?
“All the hard work I’ve put in has paid off tonight, so let‘s see what comes next,” a victorious Sprott said yesterday evening. “It could be a European title shot or maybe the world title, perhaps something with David Haye or the Klitschkos. Harrison and Martin Rogan have gone on to do bigger things after winning Prizefighter so let’s see.”
Should Harrison actually shock the odds and Haye on Nov.13th, it wouldn’t surprise if the big southpaw opted to make his first title defence against the man he is 1-1 with. That miracle aside, though, Sprott will be out of luck when it comes to a crack at a world title. Although saying that, would a Sprott challenge of Wladimir Klitschko be any less realistic than a Derek Chisora challenge of “Dr Steel Hammer?”
The European title, now owned by Alexander Dimitrenko, is a belt Sprott might have a real chance of fighting for and even of taking back. A shock, surprise shot at a world title aside, this seem to be the biggest fight Sprott can hope for. And a win that saw him regain his old European belt would go very nicely alongside his newly won “Prizefighter” trophy!