Micky Steeds is confident that he can boost his career – and his bank balance – when eight cruiserweights battle for �25,000 at the Prizefighter cruiserweight event

By LEN WHALEY

Micky Steeds is confident that he can boost his career - and his bank balance when eight cruiserweights battle for �25,000 at next month's Prizefighter event.

Promoter Barry Hearn believes the latest edition of his fast and furious three-round tournament represents the strongest line-up so far.

The eight fighters battling for the winner-takes-all cash prize can boast two European belts, four Commonwealth championships and six British titles between them.

But 25-year-old Steeds insists he can prevail against the top quality opposition as the Isle of Dogs campaigner looks to bounce back from the double disappointment of British title defeats at heavyweight and cruiserweight in the past two years.

"It's a good competition and you can see that by the names in it, but I know I'm the youngest and prettiest there so I have to fancy my chances," Steeds said.

Steeds got a close look at his rivals, including veterans Bruce Scott and Terry Dunstan, at a press conference last week on the country's most famous old cruiser - HMS Belfast on the River Thames.

And the Peacock Gym-trained Steeds is optimistic that he can give his career a major lift by overcoming celebrated campaigners such as Scott, Dunstan and former European champion Dean Francis.

He said: "If you go all the way you can get three good names on your record all in one night, and that may normally take a couple of years."

Matchroom boss Hearn, who has promoted more than 500 boxing shows, announced that the cruiserweight edition of the tournament had the star power to be the most exciting in the history of the Prizefighter series.

The inaugural heavyweight competition, in which Martin Rogan defeated David Dolan, remains the tournament's highlight, but Hearn believes the Earls Court show could provide the fireworks to surpass the original tournament.

"I've not seen a bad Prizefighter fight and I'm proud to think that millions of people around the world will enjoy a great night's entertainment," Hearn said.

"I thought the first heavyweight Prizefighter was always going to be a cracker but this promises to be even better.