Boxing Betting / Ralph Ellis / 10 February 2012 /

Betfair's sponsorship of Prizefighter begins with Saturday night's Light Welterweights contest on Sky TV. Here's part two of our guide to the eight contenders, what they've told us about where they've come from, and where they believe they are going.

Barry Morrison
Age: 31
From: Motherwell
Fights: 23
Wins: 18 (8KOs)

"I had a fantastic amateur career, more than 100 fights all around the world. While my mates were messing around I saw the world.

"As a pro my career was going well, but the last couple of years have been a bit stop start. My trainer Archie McKay, who had worked with me since I was eight years old, died in 2010 and that really hit me hard. He had been like a father to me.

"I've also had some issues with injuries and illness. When I fought Paul McCloskey for the European title it turned out I was suffering a low iron count, which was why I literally ran out of energy.

"I'm back now and at the peak of my fitness, and Prizefighter is a big chance. In one night you can push yourself right up the ratings in a way that would normally take five or six months of elimination fights. I've seen the odds on Betfair- I'll be telling my mates to get on."

Young Mutley
Age: 35
From: West Bromwich
Fights: 35
Wins: 29 (14 KOs)

"I started boxing when I was 10 and Errol Johnson has been my trainer ever since. I got given my name because people said my dad laughed like the Wacky Races character. I probably didn't take the sport seriously enough when I was young, but since I turned pro it's been a different matter and I've given it all I can.

"I held the British welterweight title after I beat Michael Jennings in 2006, and I see Prizefighter as a major opportunity to push myself right back up the standings. Yes, the money prize is great, but for me it is just as important to show that I still belong among the top fighters at this weight. It's been a difficult couple of years trying to get the right fights, but this is my chance."

Tyrone Nurse
Age: 22
From: Huddersfield
Fights: 20
Wins: 20 (3KOs)

"I might be the youngest in Prizefighter but I've had more fights than some of them, so in boxing terms I'm more experienced. It's a massive opportunity for me.

"My dad Chris Aston was a boxer, and then he started training and managing fighters. I was never forced into it, but he got a couple of British champions who used to come round our house and tell me I was soft, so I said I'd go round and knock them all out. It went from there.

"My dad is still my trainer now - and we have our arguments but I like the fact that because he's my dad I can't get away with anything. If I said I was going to miss training because I had a cold or something he'd be round my house to check up on me. It's a tough business and you need those high standards."

John Watson
Age: 28
From: Liverpool
Fights: 15
Wins: 13 (5KOs)

"I started boxing when I was 11 when I went to the gym with some friends. I stuck to it and they didn't. I just loved how competitive it was and the buzz in the gym, watching the older lads sparring.

"I lost my first fight, and I just wanted to win the next one so much more. I've loved the sport since.

"I boxed for the British lightweight title in my last two fights but it was a real struggle to make the weight. With the move up and the extra seven or eight pounds I am eating really well and drinking really well and feeling really good.

"As an amateur I boxed at ten stone for England and won titles, it was only when I turned pro and got the opportunity at lightweight that I went down. This is my natural weight.
"I've been training really hard since early November. It's been ideal compared to my last camp when I had only six weeks. I've been able to get in good condition, focused, and Saturday can't come soon enough."

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