Yassine could be the Prizefighter surprise
A careful inspection of the eight Prizefighter welterweight contender CV’s competing in Tuesday's York Hall spectacle identifies two men who ironically have enjoyed their greatest moments in the light-welterweight division as the leading candidates to claim the trophy and a £32,000 payday.
But a little known Moroccan (at least outside of the boxing internet world) could yet be the dark horse.
The draw and past achievements cite former WBC champion Junior Witter and ex European ruler Colin Lynes being on course to clash in the 19th final of a hugely popular tournament and in doing so set up a rematch between the two who first argued back in 2005 when Witter outpointed his Hornchurch rival. Meanwhile, the pre-tournament third favourite Yassine El Maachi (pictured left, with quarter-final opponent Peter McDonagh) has finally got the opportunity his talent deserves and he could have to face both Lynes and Witter if he’s going to become the second Prizefighter welterweight champion.
Despite suffering three defeats in his last four fights and being dismissed as a fading force by trade experts the experienced 37 year-old Sheffield switch hitter Junior Witter remains convinced his skills will lead to further world title opportunities. Lynes has continuously proved himself as one of the top domestic campaigners since 2006 but last held a major title in 2008 although he has been on the wrong end of questionable judges' scorecards that prevented him from securing a greater European legacy. However the 33 year-old does have the added advantage of previously competing in the three round elimination event after losing in the light-welterweight final against Gavin Rees in December 2009 which could prove vital if he is to go one better than last time.
Both Witter and Lynes start the night against men who lack top flight experience and should safely enter the semi-finals. Witter takes on 28 year-old Nathan Graham who has only had 13 fights since turning professional in 2004 and is coming off a stoppage defeat while Lynes faces Cheshunt`s seven fight undefeated prospect Bobby Gladman who at 25 is the tournaments youngest fighter.
The penultimate stage would then pit Witter against former British champion Kevin McIntryre or Essex based John Wayne Hibbert a professional for under two years but boasts four stoppages in his seven outings. A 26 year-old Hibbert fresh from his amateur campaign could like previous Prizefighter winners find his style suited to the quick fire format against older opponents accustomed to a longer distance.
Lynes would then have to prevail in a mouth watering assignment with the likeable El Maachi who should have too much skill and power for the popular Irishman Peter McDonagh. The fresh 31 year-old has enjoyed immense coverage on boxing websites for several years where he has regularly boasted of his supremacy over top flight opponents in sparring sessions and confidently claims they are too ‘scared’ of fighting him. Yassine has also revealed at length the cruel world of boxing politics and his negative experiences with some promoters and matchmakers who he feels have played their part in hindering his career but told me he will have up to 500 supporters on the night and doesn’t give McDonagh and Lynes any chance against him.
“My phone hasn’t stopped ringing I am going to show people some skills, I am a warrior. He (McDonagh) shouldn’t be in the ring with me.
“I am too fast, too good. Lynes fights with his hands up he’s fought nobody.”
And on current form the slick switch hitter may be the surprise pick as he is on a run of 10 consecutive wins which coupled with a charismatic personality akin to former featherweight world champion Naseem Hamed could rapidly turn him into a marketable star. If ‘Showman’ El Maachi’s fists follow the fighting talk of his lips McDonagh, Lynes, Witter or Hibbert could be about to find out that his talk isn’t cheap.
