Bradley Skeete assesses his British welterweight rivals
Penge welterweight Bradley ‘Super’ Skeete forms part of a richly gifted quartet of Brits presently nestled in the 147lb world rankings with the major sanctioning bodies writes Glynn Evans.
Currently custodian of the WBO European title, the 27 year old south Londoner has bountiful options at both domestic and international title level.
Ahead of his title defence against Italy’s one-time WBA ‘interim’ title challenger Brunet Zamora at Wembley on Saturday, the 6ft 1in Al Smith coached Skeete cast a critical eye over the leading domestic adversaries who could shape his future.
“So to go to the US and win a world title from a real top class operator like Shawn Porter proved he’s quality. Kell’s very powerful and very spiteful; a real executioner. He always gets the job done. Like Khan, he’s a little above my level at the moment.”
I’m not bitter that I didn’t get the decision and I wish Frankie all the best in his world title fight with Kell but I can’t see him winning. He’s tricky and awkward but Kell’s from a gym full of that style of fighter and it wasn’t hard for me to catch Frankie clean.
“Kell’s a big welter, Frankie ain’t. His great amateur achievements came down at lightweight and he’s just not strong enough at European or world level over 12 rounds. Kell will be too strong and I’d be pretty confident against Gavin in a rematch.”
“I’m huge for the weight, an awkward counter puncher and my jab will give anyone a hard night. And I can punch. My last four wins have all come by stoppage. I desperately want to become British champion and win the Lonsdale Belt outright….and I think I can.”
“He looks very game and tough but, at top level, tough ain’t enough. Sam can be outboxed. He’d not want to be taking three and four shot combos from me. He’ll get busted up.”
“At 41, he’s not what he was but it’s still a case of ‘Who needs him?’ He’d be a good name to have on your record but plenty still avoid him because he’s awkward and he can punch. But his legs have slowed and now he’s very beatable.”
“He was out for a while after almost losing his arm in a career-threatening machete attack and has done well to come back with a couple of wins but I don’t think he’s top, top level.
“I actually beat Glenn in the NACYP finals as an amateur. He was very rough and tough, ‘in yer face’ but a skilful boxer like me beats him every day of the week.”
“Denton’s no longer competitive with the top boys in the division. Pity, because once he was a very dangerous fighter.”