By Terence Dooley
Reading's Michael Sprott recently caught up with BoxingScene.com to discuss his heavyweight career; the 35-year-old won Prizefighter: The Heavyweights last month and has since been linked with fights against Roy Jones and Evander Holyfield.
Sprott, however, sighed when mulling over the one that arguably got away; he was on the verge of winning the EBU title before falling to Audley Harrison in the final-stanza on May 9th of this year. Audley has since been granted a title challenge against WBA title-holder David Haye at the MEN Arena on November 13. Sprott, 35-15 (17 KOs), feels that he was minutes away from a possible world title shot going into the final round of the Harrison encounter.
“Yeah, I do, I do,” he sighed when asked he feels that he could have been in line for a crack against Haye had he defeated Audley for the second time. “It could have been me but I'm not hating. Audley caught me with a great left hand shot.
“People ask whether or not Audley deserves this opportunity but he landed a good shot to become European champion and what happens when you win the European belt? You usually get a shot at a world title so he won himself a fantastic opportunity to go on and fight for a world title.”
Ironically, Audley's rebirth began during last October's Prizefighter tournament victory. Sprott was supposed to enter that one but decided to withdraw a month before the event due to the tragic death of his sister, Ginette. A Prizefighter win, which brings with it the backing of Matchroom, could have seen Sprott fast-tracked to a major fight earlier this year. Sprott, though, was philosophical, reminding me that 'what will be will be'.
“Maybe it could have been me”, he said when pondering Harrison's recent revival, “but things happen for a reason and it was meant to be Audley's time – sometimes it isn't your time. If it is not meant to be then it is not meant to be.”
As for the fight itself, the former British and Commonwealth title-holder believes that one-time undisputed cruiserweight boss Haye, 24-1 (22), will have too much for 'A-Force', 27-4 (20 KOs), come fight night. “I'm going for David Haye to win the fight in under five rounds,” revealed Sprott.
“David is very strong and powerful. At the same time, as the fight goes on, Audley will be looking for signs of tiredness in Haye and that is the only shot he's got – to take Haye long and take him out. Audley won't out-point David Haye but he will believe he can get into the fight and land his left hand.
“That left hand will land at some point and Audley stands a chance because he's a puncher. Both men are punchers so you never know what will happen – David Haye hasn't got the best of chins and Audley Harrison hasn't got the best of chins so it will be an interesting fight but Haye should win it.”
Michael will return shortly to discuss his own career, his recent form and past fights against Danny Williams, Matt Skelton and Audley.
Haye-Harrison will be broadcast live and exclusive on Sky Box Office HD on November 13th. Check your Sky TV guide for further information.
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