By Mark Vester
At the London’s ExCel Arena, an estimated crowd of 5,000 watched the drama unfold in the Prizefighter III one-night tournament. Audley Harrison stopped Coleman Barrett in the final bout to win the tournament and collect the prize of £32,000. Harrison, 37, has had a pro career with many highs and many lows. The tournament win may open up the door for a big fight in England.
The First Round
Coleman Barrett won a three round decision over former British heavyweight champion Scott Gammer in the first bout of the night.
In the upset of the night, Carl Baker nearly stopped current British champion Danny Williams in a three round decision win. The fight was a thriller with Baker knocking down Williams twice in the first round and nearly putting him away. Williams came back in the third and final round to nearly put away Baker but he ran out of time. The scores were 28-27, 29-26 and 28-26 for Baker. Williams promised to retire if he didn't win the tournament.
Olympic gold medal winner Audley Harrison stopped Scott Belshaw in the second round. Harrison dropped Belshaw in the first and at the end of the second before the ref waved off the contest. With Williams out, Harrison quickly became the favorite to win it all.
Danny Hughes crushed Neil Perkins in 45-seconds of the first round. After Hughes landed a right hand to send Perkins crashing. The ref stopped the action as Perkins appeared to be out on his feet when he beat the count.
Semi-Finals
Coleman Barrett won a three round decision over Carl Baker. The scores were 29-28 across the board. Barrett was fresher and outworked Baker over the course of the rounds.
Audley Harrison won a three round decision over previously undefeated Danny Hughes. Harrison outclassed Hughes and knocked him down in the third round with a left hand. The scores were 30-26, 30-27 and 29-28.
Finals
Audley Harrison stopped previously undefeated Coleman Barrett in the second round to win the tournament. Barrett was boxing well until a Harrison left hand caught him in the second.