FightPost Boxer of the Week: Scott Fitzgerald

FightPost Boxer of the Week: Scott Fitzgerald

By Gary Kittilsen

In a weekend that was chock full of talented prospects, it was that one that wasn’t supposed to win that walked away with our “Fighter Of The Week” award. Most pundits and experts thought the Anthony Fowler-Scott Fitzgerald fight would be a competitive, good scrap but ultimately Fowler would walk away with the win in the battle of unbeaten prospects.

Fitzgerald went in the ring with other ides and proved the public wrong. With a very close, competitive fight in the balance going in the 10th and final round in which Fitzgerald scored a dramatic knockdown and nearly stopped Fowler.

In the battle of unbeaten Briitish 154-pounders who both talked a considerable amount of trash in the build-up. delivered an action-packed fight. A fight that was being won by Fowler early. Controlling the action with a sharp jab and clean combinations.

Seemingly behind on the cards Fitzgerald. a sizeable underdog, didn’t panic and settled in and began winning rounds and evening up the fight going into the ninth and seemed to have momentum on his side. However, it was Fowler, who may have seen the fight slipping away, who seized control in the ninth, rocking Fitzgerald with a vicious uppercut and following up with one big power shot after another.

It appeared to be the beginning of the end for Fitzy. This was not the case as the “Mad Man” in desperate need of a big round bounced back. Big time! Fitzgerald connected with an uppercut of his own followed up with a couple of crisp left hooks that put Fowler on the floor. Fowler got back to his feet but was on very unsteady legs. Fitzgerald again went in the attack, looking for the finish, but may have punched himself out, and backed off with about 30 seconds left. The knockdown proved to be the difference. Fitzgerald took the split decision by scores of 95-94 twice in his favour and 96-94 in favour of Fowler.

Fitzgerald ran his record to 13-0 (9) and has put himself in prime position to score a big payday against “The big cheese” Ted Cheeseman. A payday that was supposed to belong to Fowler. A fight with Cheesemen seems likely, however, there are plenty of other options for Fitzy to pursue if it does fall through. A showdown with Sergio Garcia, who took a lopsided decision over Cheesemen back in February, or the winner of the evenings main event Liam “Beefy” Smith would also be a very entertaining scrap that could easily be made. Whoever Fitzgerald opts to fight next he has certainly elevated his status from prospect to legitimate contender.