Spencer Oliver gives his views...
Friday 5 December 2014 18:47, UK
Prizefighter is back with a bang as eight more fighters will be targeting the £32,000 winner’s cheque in the Lightweights III at York Hall on Saturday.
Gary Buckland will be hoping to repeat his success in the tournament after winning the super featherweight version in 2010.
But he faces a tough line-up which features former European champion Stephen Foster Jnr and dangerous puncher Floyd Moore.
Jono Carroll, Lee Martin and Craig Whyatt are in the early stages of their professional careers, but will be hoping to burst onto the scene with victory in the tournament.
Marking your card is Saturday night's ringside pundit, Spencer Oliver... and of course, the all-important draw.
Quarter final draw:
Craig Whyatt v Lee Martin
Michael Devine v Danny Connor
Stephen Foster Jnr v Jono Carroll
Gary Buckland v Floyd Moore
Record: 28-5 (KO9)
From: Cardiff
Age: 28
Nickname: Dynamo
The pre-tournament favourite has collected a string of impressive victories during his battle-hardened career. Buckland, a former British champion, holds a stoppage win over fellow entrant Stephen Foster Jr and has also beaten the likes of Gavin Rees, Gary Sykes and Derry Mathews.
Spencer Oliver's verdict: Through styles, you have to make him favourite. He's won Prizefighter before, he's got an all-action style and although he's lost three of his last four, he knows it's the last roll of the dice. We can expect fireworks from Buckland.
Sky Bet's odds: 3/1
Record: 33-5-1 (KO19)
From: Salford
Age: 34
Nickname: -
Foster Jr briefly held the European super-featherweight title and pushed former world champion Alex Arthur in a 2007 points defeat. He suffered a brave defeat against Anthony Crolla last year, but heads into the tournament after two wins.
Spencer Oliver's verdict: I'm torn between Foster and Buckland to win it. You've got to say they're strong favourites and pending on the draw I expect them to be in the final. It was a last-minute job when Foster lost against Crolla, he was doing alright. He's still got a lot to offer.
Sky Bet's odds: 100/30
Record: 11-1-1 (KO3)
From: Luton
Age: 25
Nickname: Chunky
Devine could renew his rivalry with fellow entrant Connor after a September bout between the pair ended in a draw. A cut above Connor's eye forced the fight to be halted, but they might meet again in the three-round format.
Spencer Oliver's verdict said: He's a smooth boxer. I'm expecting to see him nicking the fights, he likes to box behind his jab, nice and tidely. He'll do well.
Sky Bet's odds: 9/1
Record: 11-8-2 (KO1)
From: Hackbridge
Age: 28
Nickname: Cassius
Connor will be hoping to go one better after he was halted by Chris Jenkins in last year's light-welterweight final. The flamboyant fighter has proved his appetite for battle with wins over Chris Evangelou and Tyler Goodjohn.
Spencer Oliver's verdict said: He knows the concept, he knows what it's all about. That gives him an advantage. This plays to his strengths so he's always dangerous.
Sky Bet's odds: 5/1
Record: 10-5-1 (KO7)
From: Fareham
Age: 24
Nickname: Pac Man
A dangerous puncher, Moore picked up his biggest win last December with a fourth-round stoppage of Ryan Taylor. He has suffered two defeats since then, including a close decision loss to Adam Dingsdale, but seven stoppages suggest he could spring a surprise in the tournament.
Spencer Oliver's verdict: Being a big puncher is perfect for Prizefighter. We've seen big punchers blow out of steam because they load everything up, but you always have to back a big puncher in a three-round fight.
Sky Bet's odds: 7/1
Record: 7-2 (KO3)
From: Morden
Age: 25
Nickname: -
Whyatt can put his career back on track after suffering a heartbreaking defeat in May. He was halted in the eighth round by Jamie Speight, but victory in Prizefighter would propel him towards a domestic title shot.
Spencer Oliver's verdict: He lost for the Southern Area featherweight title which is crazy because this is at lightweight and he has struggled to make the weight. He's an unknown quantity but the worry is whether he's big enough.
Sky Bet's odds: 12/1
Record: 6-1 (KO0)
From: Southminster
Age: 24
Nickname: -
Martin is also trying to erase painful memories of a defeat in his last fight. He was halted by Ian Bailey in March, but could be well suited to Prizefighter, with all of his wins coming over four rounds.
Spencer Oliver's verdict: Martin's good, he's a pressure fighter which makes him exciting for three rounds. He was a good amateur. But he was beaten by Ian Bailey which makes you worry if he'll be good enough with this sort of company. I'm not sure he's strong enough against the likes of Foster and Buckland.
Sky Bet's odds: 12/1
Record: 3-0(KO1)
From: Dublin
Age: 25
Nickname: Celtic Warrior
Carroll was born in Ireland, but has based himself in Australia, picking up his first two wins in the southern hemisphere. He returned to Dublin for a victory last month and can make a name for himself on these shores with victory at the weekend.
Spencer Oliver's verdict: I’ve heard he wasn’t a bad amateur. Because he’s not had a lot of professional fights, amateur boxing will be fresh in his mind. Take that into account, it could make him effective.
Sky Bet's odds: 14/1
Rakeem Noble
Record: 6-0 (KO2)
From: Upper Norwood
Age: 24
Sky Bet odds: 20/1
Craig Woodruff
Record: 5-4 (KO2)
From: Newport
Age: 24
Sky Bet odds: 20/1
Watch the Prizefighter Lightweights actions from 8.00pm, Saturday, Sky Sports 2, including a 10-rounder featuring Martin J Ward.
