“Prizefighter: The Heavyweights” To Go International May 7th In London – Rahman, Maddalone, Johnson, Sexton, Perez “Close To Putting Pen To Paper”

By James Slater: Fight fans on both sides of the Atlantic are well aware of the Barry Hearn-conceived “Prizefighter” tournament; the knockout tourney that has gone ahead a number of times, at a number of different weights, in the U.K. Proving a huge hit on Sky Sports, the tournament, now being looked after by Barry’s son Eddie, is all set to go international on May 7th: the night of the Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley fight.

Hearn, in speaking with The Main Event Boxing Radio Show, revealed how a big London show is taking shape for May 7th, and how big U.S names such as Hasim Rahman, Kevin Johnson, Vinny Maddalone and others have been contacted and have expressed plenty of interest in taking part in the show.

“There are about 20 names in the mix,” Hearn told the radio show. “A lot of names have been mentioned on the various internet boxing forums, and most of the names that have been mentioned are real possibilities. Mike Tyson’s name was listed on one forum, but I can tell you he definitely will not be featuring (laughs). But Hasim Rahman, Vinny Maddalone, Kevin Johnson and others, they are very close to putting pen to paper.

“There will be five or six countries being represented in all, and I want a couple of British fighters in the show. The Cuban based in Britain, Mike Perez, along with Sam Sexton and Michael Sprott, are in the mix. Also, there will definitely be a former world heavyweight champion in the tournament. We will make an announcement this Thursday, after tonight’s (super-middleweight) Prizefighter.”

Tonight sees a big British name coming back to the ring to try and grab the prize money and the trophy that goes with it, in former WBC 168-pound champ Robin Reid. However, as interesting as tonight’s tourney looks like being, an international card full of big-name heavyweights would really capture the attention of the fans!

As Hearn said, there is currently all manner of speculation over which names might or might not be involved. The promoter ruled out Tyson, but other names that have been rumoured and still are rumoured to take part include the likes of Evander Holyfield (unlikely as he has that fight with Brian Nielsen set), James Toney (possible) and even Roy Jones Junior!

Personally, as soon as I read that Vinny Maddalone was a real possibility for taking part, I instantly thought the tournament would be ideal for the tough New Yorker. Vinny is always in shape, he has a great workrate and over three rounds he would be a handful for practically anyone. Or would “Kingpin” Kevin Johnson be able to bag three-round wins with his excellent left jab? Rahman, who still feels he can become heavyweight champion again, would of course have a great shot at taking any opponent out over three-rounds because of that still-lethal right hand that he has.

Hearn said that the heavyweight division, the Klitschkos and Haye aside, is proving less interesting for the fans. The planned May 7th tournament could well reignite fan interest in the big men of the sport.

That announcement tomorrow will be one worth hearing!