By Zubair Ali: Saturday night saw Adil Anwar (16-1, 7 KO’s) claim the second edition of Prizefighter – the light-welterweight division with a unanimous points victory over Tyrone Nurse (22-1, 4 KOs). An entertaining all-Yorkshire final saw Anwar outbox and outfox the previously unbeaten Nurse, sealing the Prizefighter title aswell as the £32,000 prize money.
Both fighters impressed en-route to the final, showcasing their superior boxing skills coupled with their languid elusive styles, making it impossible for their opponents to deal with. Anwar however proved too much in the end for his rival, whose stock will also have undoubtedly increased following his impressive displays against exciting prospect Dale Miles (12-1, 9 KO’s) and the experienced and hard-hitting Young Mutley (30-7, 14 KO’s).
Anwar was drawn against the vastly experienced and battle-hardened veteran Barry Morrison in the Quarter final. Morrison, a former British champion, provided a stern test but was ultimately no match for Anwar’s sharp counter-punching and impeccable timing. Next up for Anwar was Former British Lightweight challenger John Watson, who had stopped Dean Hickman in 100 seconds in his respective Quarter final bout. Many anticipated problems for Anwar against the fresher Watson, but that wasn’t the case as the ‘Platinum Kid’ produced his finest performance of the night, winning every round on the judge’s scorecards. Anwar then proceeded to the final where he met former sparring partner and friend Tyrone Nurse, finishing the job and an excellent nights work.
Anwar showcased his immense talent and ability in all 3 contests, frustrating his opponents with his awkward style and nimble footwork. Continually finding themselves hitting nothing but fresh air, the man form Leeds proved too difficult to pin down for his foes. Anwar used his long jab intelligently and effectively, keeping his opponents at bay and setting up his own lightning combinations. Anwar was confident in the build up to the tournament, and his confidence was justified with his excellent showing in front of the Sky Sports cameras, aswell as a large contingent of fans that made the trip down with him. One of the most avoided fighters on the circuit, Anwar has now well and truly stepped out of obscurity and into the limelight and is now hoping to secure a shot at the British champion Ashley Theophane (31-4-1, 9 KO’s), who will certainly have been forced to sit up and take notice. Anwar may however have to settle for an eliminator against Lenny Daws (22-2-2, 9 KO’s), with the likes of Nigel Wright (24-6-1, 10 KO’s) and Steve Williams (12-1, 5 KO’s) more likely to get the nod. After his heroics on Saturday night, it is inevitable that Anwar can only be avoided for so long, and a shot at the Lonsdale belt seems to be on the horizon. When that chance does eventually come along, Anwar will be ready to grasp hold of it with both hands.
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