Pickering: I am convinced I will win Prizefighter

Posted on | May 29, 2010 | No Comments

Experienced Nottingham boxer says York Hall night is his for the taking

Former Commonwealth, European and British title holder Esham Pickering says he is positive that he will lift the Prizefighter Super Bantamweight trophy at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Saturday night.

The 33 year-old fighter is the most experienced boxer in the latest of Barry Hearn’s eight-man, one night events and he is itching to get into action from 9pm live on Sky Sports 1 and HD1.

“I really cannot wait – I’ve been buzzing in training this week and I’m totally convinced that I will win this,” said Pickering at the official weigh-in at the Crowne Plaza London Hotel in Shoreditch, where all eight fighters made the weight.

The Nottinghamshire fighter takes on Barnsley’s Josh Wale in the second quarter-final on the night – a 22 year-old with nine wins from his 11 professional fights. “Josh is a good fighter and I’ve got a lot of respect for him but I will win that fight – and the two after that as well,” said Pickering. “It’s a three round fight and I will win all three.”

Wale himself is confident of a good showing at York Hall and the window-cleaner by day is raring to get in the ring with Pickering. “I’m looking very good in training so I’ve nothing to fear at all,” said Wale. “Esham’s a top fighter and I know it’s going to be a great fight, but I can win that – and the trophy too.”

The opening fight of the night promises to be a cracker as Commonwealth bronze medallist Mark Moran takes on unbeaten Limerick fighter Willie “Big Bang” Casey, with the winner facing the winner of Pickering and Wale’s clash. “Everyone here has a good record so the draw wasn’t that important – whoever you fight is going to be quality,” said Casey. “I just have to go in there and do my thing and if I fight to my potential I will win this.”

The second half of the draw sees an all-Welsh affair in quarter-final three with Commonwealth gold medallist Jamie Arthur taking on Swansea’s Robbie Turley, before unbeaten Welshman Ricky Owen takes on Yorkshireman Gavin Reid.

Tickets for Prizefighter Super-Bantamweights are available on the door from 7.30pm priced at £35 (unreserved), £60 (ringside) and £100 (VIP).

QUARTER-FINALS (with weights):

Mark Moran (8st 11lb 10oz) v Willie Casey (8st 10lb 5oz)
Esham Pickering (8st 11lb 11oz) v Josh Wale (8st 10lb 11oz)
Robbie Turley (8st 12lb) v Jamie Arthur (8st 10lb 11oz)
Gavin Reid (8st 11lb 2oz) v Ricky Owen (8st 11lb 7oz)

SEMI-FINALS:

Moran/Casey v Pickering/Wale
Turley/Arthur v Reid/Owen