 Burke has fought a mere eight times in four years |
Liverpool lightweight Stephen Burke is hoping to use his appearance on Prizefighter as a springboard for a shot at the British title. Burke, 30, is involved in the televised knock-out style competition, against seven other boxers, at Glasgow's Kelvin Hall on Tuesday. "If I win this I'll probably go straight into the top 10," Burke told BBC Radio Merseyside. "One more fight and I'd be looking for the British title." Burke had a phenomenal record as an amateur, including beating a young Paulie Malignaggi and winning a European bronze medal in 1997. Since turning professional in 2005 he has struggled with injuries and inactivity.  | I just think Prizefighter can do more for my career |
In a bid to ignite his career in the paid ranks there had been discussions for him to fight Huyton prospect John Watson in an all-Mersey affair. In the end Burke chose Prizefighter and Watson will fight in a British title eliminator against Martin Gethin in Liverpool on 28 March. But Burke has not ruled out a future meeting with Watson. "I just think Prizefighter can do more for my career," he said. "I was very tempted to go with the Watson fight but there are a couple of fighters in this ranked just above John so I thought this was the better option." To win the tournament Burke will have to win three three-round fights. He is drawn against Kirkcaldy's Stuart Green at the quarter-final stage.
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