MICKY STEEDS hopes to make youth triumph against seasoned opposition when he lines up in Matchroom s latest Prizefighter Tournament, at Earls Court on Tuesday night, writes LEN WHALEY. The event features eight cruiserweights, all battling for the �25,000

MICKY STEEDS hopes to make youth triumph against seasoned opposition when he lines up in Matchroom's latest Prizefighter Tournament, at Earls Court on Tuesday night, writes LEN WHALEY.

The event features eight cruiserweights, all battling for the �25,000 top prize, and Docklands' campaigner Steeds, at the age of 25, is more than 10 years younger than nearly all of his rivals at the tournament.

Peacock Gym-trained Steeds and late entry Ovill McKenzie aside, the line-up may look like the boxing equivalent of a senior citizens' party, but Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn is expecting fireworks on the night which will be screened live on SkySports.

Dagenham-born Hearn, who has promoted more than 500 boxing shows is, as usual, never slow to beat the publicity drum as he points out: "Eight great fighters, eight former champions coming together for seven fights in one night. One thing about Prizefighter is it's exciting!

"Each one of these boxers is a main event fighter and the crowd at the Earls Court are going to be entertained.

"I am proud to think that millions of people around the world will be watching the action on television and the thousands of people at the venue will enjoy a great night.

"I think this will be, pound-for-pound, the best Prizefighter show we've ever done and I'm excited about this," said the ever-enthusiastic Bazza.

Two of the real dangermen in the competition could be the two oldest entries, former European and British champion Terry Dunstan and big hitting east Londoner, former world title challenger Bruce Scott.

Although he is easily the youngest of the entries, Steed has fought some of the top names in the country in his 15-fight career.

He challenged Scott Gammer for the British heavyweight crown and lost on points, before dramatically losing weight and moving down to the cruiserweight class.

It was in the lighter division that he was outpointed by Robert Norton, in a clash for the vacant British championship.

The Docklands' fighter is joined in the line-up by Ovill McKenzie, who has been handed an opportunity to win the �25,000 top prize after Mark Krence withdrew due to injury.

A former Commonwealth champion at light-heavyweight, McKenzie was one of the two unused reserves for the Prizefighter Light-heavyweight competition in February.

Prizefighter line-up

Darren Corbett, 36, former Commonwealth champion from Belfast.

Terry Dunstan, 40, former European and British champion from Vauxhall, London.

Dean Francis, 35, former European, British and Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion from Basingstoke.

John Keaton, 36, former British champion from Sheffield.

Ovill McKenzie, 29, former Commonwealth champion. from Derby.

Bruce Scott, 39, ex British, Commonwealth champion, fought for WBC/ WBO world titles, from Hackney.

Neil Simpson, 38, Ex British, Commonwealth champion from Coventry.

Micky Steeds, 25, fought for British title at heavyweight and cruiserweight, from Isle of Dogs, London.

Prizefighter tickets for Earls Court are available online at www.seetickets.com or from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.