One of the “hidden giants” on the American heavyweight scene, Houston, Texas big man Skipp “Strictly Business” Scott (15-1, 10 KOs) will begin to come out of the shadows on Thursday, January 10, as he takes a big step up in competition.
Fighting in one of the 10-round featured bouts at promoter Lou Savarese’s “Rumble on the Bayou” event at the Bayou City Event Center in Houston, the 6′ 8″ 255-lb Scott will face Trinidad And Tobago veteran Kertson “Warrior” Manswell (23-6, 17 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Foundation International Heavyweight title.
Blessed with God-given athleticism and power, the 34-year-old Scott has been a work in progress in boxing. After losing his pro debut, he’s won 15 straight against opponents chosen to help him hone his craft.
Manswell represents Scott’s toughest foe to date, as he’s been in the ring with several notable heavyweights and gone the distance with former World Heavyweight Champion Ruslan Chagaev and top contender Cedric Boswell. Although he has come up short against some of the best in the division, 36-year-old Manswell has mowed down all other competition. He was undefeated for the first six years of his career and even competed in the world-famous Prize Fighter heavyweight tournament.
“If Skipp is ready to start climbing the ladder, he needs to get past an opponent like this in impressive fashion,” said Scott’s promoter, Kerry Daigle of Keeppunching Entertainment. “Manswell has a lot more experience than Skipp and will be coming into Houston to win. We’re looking at this fight as a very important test of where Skipp stands in his career.”
This fight represents several firsts for Scott. It is his first 10-round bout and his first for a professional title. It is also his first against an opponent not from the USA.
“Skipp didn’t have much of an amateur career, only three fights, so this will be his first real taste of international competition as a boxer,” continued Daigle. “We’re going to find out quickly how he reacts to real pressure and what he can do against a big, strong opponent looking to knock him out. We’re confident but by no means looking past this fight.”
Scott had an 80-fight kickboxing career prior to switching over to boxing and was ranked #3 in the nation and #2 in Texas at one point, so he’s been in important fights before, but none using only his fists.
“The American heavyweight division is really looking for someone to stand up and take over and Skipp is a giant, powerful and extremely athletic big man with the heart of a true warrior. We’ve been watching him develop for years and hopefully this fight will be his announcement to the world that America has a new heavyweight to watch.”
The Bayou City Event Center is located at 9401 Knight Road in Houston. On fight night, doors open at 6:00 pm and the first fight is at 7:30 pm. There is LIMITED SEATING, so be sure to reserve your seats early. Tickets are priced at Gold Seats: $100.00, Silver Seats $75.00, General Admission Category A: $50.00, General Admission Category B: $35.00 and General Admission: $25.00. For more information, visit savaresepromotions.com.
