Grant claims last spot for Prizefighter Light-Welterweights - 09/11/2009

LONDONER Michael Grant has been handed the last spot for Prizefighter Light-Welterweights.

Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn had invited the winner of the Grant v Steve Williams contest, which was scheduled to take place last week, into December's Prizefighter Light-Welterweights.

However, Williams withdrew due to injury meaning Grant, a former ABA Champion who is undefeated from 13 professional bouts, will complete the line-up for December 4.

Prizefighter Light-Welterweights contenders (from left) Ted Bami, Barry Morrison, Michael Grant (in Prizefighter if he wins the English title on Nov 6), Jason Cook, Young Mutley, David Barnes, Colin Lynes and Gavin Rees. Picture: Lawrence Lustig

Grant gets his chance after Colchester-based fighter Lee Purdy, the current Southern Area Champion who was included in the original Prizefighter line-up, withdrew due to an injury sustained in training.

"The secret of Prizefighter has always been the mixture of fighters and their styles and a mixture of past and future champions," said Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn.

"December 4th at the National Hall Olympia is no exception to the high standard that we've already seen. You just have to look at the names and the memorable fights they've been in to know it will be another great night of boxing Prizefighter style.

"Favourites haven't fared too well at Prizefighters and sometimes, just sometimes, a young ambitious fighter can become a superhero on the night. Let's wish all the fighters the best of luck.

"The boxing fans will be watching the type of entertainment that boxing has been crying out for years."

Prizefighter Light-Welterweights takes place at the National Hall, Olympia, London on Friday, December 4 and features some of the biggest names in the division, including former World, European and British Champions.

Ex WBA World Champion Gavin Rees is among the eight, as are Ted Bami, Jason Cook and Colin Lynes, who have all held European belts.

Former British title holders David Barnes, Barry Morrison and Young Mutley will also be vying for the £32,000 winner’s prize, while undefeated Grant completes a strong line-up.

Colin Lynes (far left), Matchroom Sport director Eddie Hearn (second left), Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn (second right) and Jason Cook (right) at the press conference. Picture: Lawrence Lustig

"I think Prizefighter is the best thing in boxing," said Barnes. "Winning this will get my career back on track and I'm looking forward to it."

Mutley added: "It's going to be a war from the first round to the last."

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.