By Mark Vester
At York Hall in London, England, the latest edition of Barry Hearn’s Prizefighter tournament kicked off. This time the junior middleweights were the star attractions. The tournament started with Prince Arron (15-3-1, 1KO) winning a decision over George Hillyard (9-5-1, 5KOs). Arron outboxed the veteran journeyman for all three rounds. The scores were 30-27 across.
In the fight everyone was looking forward to in the first round of the tournament, Bradley Price (29-7, 17KOs) won a split decision in a three round war with Neil Sinclair (33-8, 26KOs). The scores were 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29. They started going to war in the first and the furious pace lasted for all three rounds.
Brett Flournoy (10-0, 4KOs) won a unanimous decision over Danny Butler (18-4, 3KOs). Flournoy had a better defense and picked the better spots in the fight. The scores were 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.
In the final quarterfinal meeting, Steve O’Meara (11-0, 2KOs) won a unanimous decision against an overmatched Martin Concepcion (16-7, 10KOs). The scores were 30-27, 30-27 and 30-28.
In the first semifinal bout, Prince Arron (16-3-1, 1KO) upset Bradley Pryce (29-8, 17KOs) with a dominating unanimous decision. Arron used his reach to outbox Pryce over the the three rounds and never allowed him to get off with many punches. The scores were 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.
In the second semifinal bout, Brett Flournoy (11-0, 4KOs) won a close split decision over previously undefeated Steve O’Meara (11-1, 2KOs). The scores were 29-28, 29-28 and 28-29.
In the final fight, Prince Arron (17-3-1, 1KO) won a unanimous decision over Brett Flournoy (11-1, 4KOs) to win the Prizefighter tournament. Flournoy was strong early on - but Arron pulled a rabbit out of his hat with a very strong third and final round that saw him drop the previously undefeated Flournoy. The scores were 29-28, 29-28 and 28-27.
