By Mark Vester
In a recent interview with The Mirror, Michael Sprott issued a warning to his UK rival Matt Skelton (21-1, 18KOs), advising his former foe to go for a knockout when he challenges WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev (23-0-1, 17KOs) in the champion's backyard of Dusseldorf.
Sprott is very familiar with both fighters. He fought Skelton twice and Chagaev once, losing in all three bouts. Based on many questionable decisions in the country, he doesn't think Skelton stands a chance to win in Germany unless he scores a knockout.
"In Germany, you're paid to lose," said Sprott. "People joke that you have to knock the other guy out just to get a draw. That's the way it is in Germany and I've been on the end of a couple of bad decisions. When I fought Timo Hoffmann in a rematch over there, I clearly won the fight, but the judges gave it to Hoffmann. Even the German fans booed the decision, it was that bad. That's what Matt's going to have to deal with and I think he's going to have to stop Chagaev to win the title."
At the same time Sprott says that a knockout of Chagaev will be a tough task to achieve. He knows from his own personal experience on how well Chagaev can take a punch
"I'm saying Matt has to stop Chagaev to win and although I'll be rooting for him, I don't think he can do it," Sprott said. "I think Chagaev will win on points. Chagaev is just so strong. I don't know if there is anyone who could stop him. The big Russian, Nikolai Valuev, couldn't stop him and John Ruiz couldn't stop him either. When I fought him, I hit him flush with an uppercut with all my weight and he didn't even budge. His gumshield flew out, but he just walked back to his corner like normal."
Skelton is known for his rough tactics in the ring, but it's doubtful he'll be able to use them with Chagaev.
"Matt's very good at tangling you up. He also uses his head, elbows or anything else that he thinks will help him win. In Germany, he won't be able to get away with any of that. The referee will clamp down," Sprott said.
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