Sprott aiming for third time lucky as he bids for European title in Germany

Michael Sprott tipped the scales at 17st 3lbs ahead of his European heavyweight title challenge against Alexander Dimitrenko in Hamburg this evening.
Sprott has twiced challenged for European honours before, losing on points to Paolo Vidoz in 2005 and when suffering a dramatic final round KO against Audley Harrison in their rematch last April when Sprott was virtually home and dry until he got caught. The veteran Reading fighter, 36-16 (17), will be praying that it will be a case of 'third time lucky' but his chances appear slim against Dimitrenko who has lost only once in 32 contests (narrowly on points to slick American Eddie Chambers in a WBO world title elimininator).

The 36-year-old Sprott will give away seven years in age, six pounds in weight, another six inches in height and ample amounts in reach to the German-based Ukrainian who won the European title with a fifth round stoppage over countryman Yaroslav Zavorotnyi. Dimitrenko has since made one defence, a final round KO over Brentford-based Pole Albert Sosnowski in March. The big man has been inactive though - just three fights in three years.

In contrast Sprott has stayed busy, with five outings in 2010 (which saw him win Prizefighter) and the Reading man has boxed twice this year, a four round points victory over Serdar Uysal in Germany and a split decision loss to giant American Tye Fields in the inaugural International Prizefighter tournament in May.

It looks a tall order (quite literally) for Sprott tonight. Dimitrenko's last seven victories have all ended inside-the-distance and he seems likely to end Sprott's challenge in the later rounds to successfully to retain his European title for the second time.