Ted Bami: "Everyone's going to be dangerous"

Of all the contenders in the latest Prizefighter tournament, only one man has been there before: former European light-welterweight champion Ted Bami. Some fighters might use the fact as a means of placing themselves on a pedestal and claiming it as a crucial advantage, but Bami is honest in his assessment: “We’re all going to be ready to fight, we’re professional boxers and so I don’t see it as important.”

31-year-old Bami was last seen being stopped in six rounds by Matthew Hatton. In a post-fight interview he said: “People now think Ted Bami is over, but I’m not over.” And so, to prove his point, he’s chosen once again to compete in the popular eight-man tournament, in arguably the most competitive line-up yet.

The last time he took part in the series, he started as the favourite; this time he’s one of the outsiders; so what does he make of his rivals for the title? “There’s no one person to look out for,” He says, “Everyone’s going to be dangerous in this tournament, we’re all champions; but it’s up to me to show just how dangerous Ted Bami can be.”

The Brixton-based Congolese-born fighter, sounds relaxed as he reflects on a good training camp, and says that he made the weight easily enough - despite having to “strip down naked” on the scales. His first round fight will be against Gavin Rees, who’s only fought once since losing his WBA title to Andreas Kotelnik - the conqueror of whom Bami would be keen to fight: “Winning this tournament will show that Ted Bami isn’t finished yet. The aim is to go for a world title but if not then I’ll try and get my European title back. But I’d love to fight (Amir) Khan.”

Prizefighter 9 takes place Friday 4 December at the Olympia National Hall, London.