by James Slater – Tonight, on the Abraham-Simon card in Germany, former WBO heavyweight champ Lamon Brewster won a commanding unanimous points verdict over a disappointing Michael Sprott. Looking in reasonable, if slightly soft condition, the 35-year-old scored a knockdown with a sweet left hook in the 3rd-round, but had to settle for a distance win. Picking up a good workout victory, “Relentless” won by scores of 79-73 and 78-73 twice. Brewster improved to 35-4(30). Britain’s Sprott, who fought a largely negative fight he is sure to be unhappy with, fell to 31-13(16).
Brewster came out on the front foot right from the start and pretty much remained there throughout the eight-rounder. Stalking Sprott, the former champ was facing an opponent who, though looking in better physical condition, appeared nervous. Some good body work scored for Brewster, while Sprott threw only jabs. A Brewster round.
Sprott was again on the back foot in the 2nd, grunting as he threw out left jabs. The 34-year-old Brit was definitely looking gun-shy, and Brewster was allowed to fight at whatever pace he chose. The action was slow in this round, but, with the German audience being the polite bunch they are, there was no booing. Another round for Lamon.
Some action broke out in the 3rd, thanks to the aggression of the 35-year-old. Holding his hands quite low, Brewster jabbed well and with stiffness. Sprott was just giving rounds away, although he did try with a big right hand, which sailed over Brewster’s head. Then, seconds before the bell, Brewster landed with a cracking right hand, left hook combo to Sprott’s head, sending him crashing to the mat. The slightly younger man did well to beat the count, and made it back to his corner.
It was an even more negative Sprott in the 4th and 5th, but Brewster was somewhat upset that he didn’t get to finish his man off. It was a poor effort by the capable Brit, really, and the odd burst aside he was content to merely jab and move. This fight was such a big chance for Sprott as well.
The 6th and 7th were slow rounds, and if the fight had been held in the States it’s likely the fans would have made their displeasure heard. Brewster was coming forward once again, but Sprott was unwilling to engage him. Both men jabbed well in the 7th, though.
Going into the 8th and final round, Sprott clearly needed a KO to win – and he did have his best three minutes late in the fight. It was too late, however. Rocked early in the session, Sprott actually came back and managed to both look dangerous and put Brewster on the back foot for the first time in the fight. What had he waited for! Brewster looked tired in the last round, and there were a few decent exchanges. It was Brewster’s night, however, and he knew it.
Having his second win since losing his rematch to Wladimir Klitschko, Brewster looked okay, but it’s hard to gauge how far he can go as a 35-year-old. Had Sprott started faster he may have given the former champ a tougher time. Still, Brewster moves on and he will look to land a big fight pretty soon. Where Sprott goes from here it’s hard to tell.
Both men weighed-in at the same, at 234-pounds.