Michael Sprott looking to turn back time and claim European title

The British veteran, with a current professional record of 51 fights, 36 wins, 17 by K’O and 16 losses is certainly up against it here against the German based Ukrainian, who has just one defeat in 32 fights, (21 wins by KO) – that was a majority points defeat against “Fast” Eddie Chambers in 2009.

Sprott, who is also a Prizefighter trophy winner in 2010 – has wins over Audley Harrison, Matt Skelton and Danny Williams, will be giving away 7 years in age and six inches in height and possibly ten pounds in weight come fight time.

Going into the fight Dimitrenko has a two fight winning streak, both by knockout, his last fight a 12 round KO over former Vitali Klitschko challenger and UK based Pole Albert Sosnowski. But with only two fights in two years since losing to Chambers Dimitrenko may well show ring rust, giving Sprott the chance to take advantage.

Sprott has kept himself in shape since the Prizefighter loss and was in training camp with Wladimir Klitschko, sparring with the undisputed heavyweight champion, when he was preparing for the David Haye defence in July.

Sprott will need to use all the skills he posses’ in this his third shot at the European heavyweight title and any tips he may have picked up from Klitschko to get passed the poker jab of Dimitrenko and that wont be easy. Sprott is in the twighlite years of his career and will do well to last the distance with the Ukrainian and will have fought his best ever fight if he prevails. Unfortunatly for Sprott his best days are behind him and if he last the distance it will be a good nights work.

At 36, Sprott is aware this is likely his last shot at a championship belt and if a fit and motivated Sprott turns up in Germany tonight then stranger things have happened, we wish him the best of luck.

By Chris Maylett