What next for Matt Skelton?
What next for Matt Skelton?
He's in his thirties, so they need to keep moving him fairly quickly. What next for impressive new English heavyweight champion Matt Skelton?
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get in the ring
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 93
- Joined: 21 Jun 2003, 06:59
It's simple really...
Skelton does not have time on his side.
Holden was his first real name British fighter he has beaten. His next opponent before Christmas without a doubt should be JULIUS FRANCIS for the English title. Julius is always looking for a fight, and Skelton needs to make up for lost time.
Even though he's only had 8 fights I'd still be very confident that he would stop Francis, and if he does he is on the up.
Francis is a natural opponent in my eyes.
Skelton does not have time on his side.
Holden was his first real name British fighter he has beaten. His next opponent before Christmas without a doubt should be JULIUS FRANCIS for the English title. Julius is always looking for a fight, and Skelton needs to make up for lost time.
Even though he's only had 8 fights I'd still be very confident that he would stop Francis, and if he does he is on the up.
Francis is a natural opponent in my eyes.
Wasn't impressed with him on Ringside, but very impressed with him tonight.
At 30+ (Eugine was arguing that his age is wrong) he needs to get a move on. As GITR said, Francis is a good option now, I'd be quite disapointed if he fights anyone of a lesser standard.
Another option could be the Sprott vs Williams loser, he's in the domestic top ten and he should be looking at anyone lower than him. Harrison is lower than him (in my opinion) now, Keith Long won't fight anyone!
I doubt Hide will fight him, which leaves Francis, Sprott and Williams. I maybe wait another 2 fights before challenging the British champion (which will still be Williams) so Francis or the loser (Sprott).
Maybe, if the Maloneys and Sport Network really have the believe in him, and I'm not saying their wrong, the I think at he's in his mid 30's they could even try to risk him with a Botha (who is very beatable and a big name), they haven't got much to lose.
I think Sprott (especially if he beats Williams) and Danny are better than Botha, yet Botha has a higher ranking - so it might not be a bad move.
At 30+ (Eugine was arguing that his age is wrong) he needs to get a move on. As GITR said, Francis is a good option now, I'd be quite disapointed if he fights anyone of a lesser standard.
Another option could be the Sprott vs Williams loser, he's in the domestic top ten and he should be looking at anyone lower than him. Harrison is lower than him (in my opinion) now, Keith Long won't fight anyone!
I doubt Hide will fight him, which leaves Francis, Sprott and Williams. I maybe wait another 2 fights before challenging the British champion (which will still be Williams) so Francis or the loser (Sprott).
Maybe, if the Maloneys and Sport Network really have the believe in him, and I'm not saying their wrong, the I think at he's in his mid 30's they could even try to risk him with a Botha (who is very beatable and a big name), they haven't got much to lose.
I think Sprott (especially if he beats Williams) and Danny are better than Botha, yet Botha has a higher ranking - so it might not be a bad move.
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Guest
- Heavyweight
I was very impressed with Skelton, he has got good speed for an 18 stoner and he obviously has power. His conditioning and stamina might need some work, but he recognises this. I was impressed with how he fought on the back foot last night, Holden would come at him with a big swing and he would just take a step or 2 back and pick him off with ease, I don't think Holden laid a meaningful shot on him all night. I like Skeltons uppercut and his general demeanour in the ring. He dealt with Holden comfortably, and think there is still plenty more to come from Skelton
I would like to see him againt Long, Francis or even Hide as an eliminator for a British title shot, to me he looks like Herbie Hides worst nightmare.
I would like to see him againt Long, Francis or even Hide as an eliminator for a British title shot, to me he looks like Herbie Hides worst nightmare.
I can't honestly see Julius Francis providing much opposition to be honest - too slow, no defence as such and would (IMO) take a 6-8 round beating before quitting.
Going by lastr night's showing, I'd say Skelton has a SERIOUS problem with his conditioning.
If he gets himself puffed out by just beating up on someone who is essentially standing still - how is he going to cope with someone who is throwing back????
Going by lastr night's showing, I'd say Skelton has a SERIOUS problem with his conditioning.
If he gets himself puffed out by just beating up on someone who is essentially standing still - how is he going to cope with someone who is throwing back????