‘Moment of truth’ for talented Christopher
Tyler Christopher with legend Sam Eggington. His first real test beckons
FOR unbeaten Birmingham based Bermudian Tyler Christopher – a fighter who has pledged, “it gets greater later” – “later” has arrived.
On Saturday, the 30-year-old gets his wish, an acid test on a major, televised arena show. Southpaw Tyler will face Maurio Silva in a Boxxer show at First Direct Bank Arena, Leeds, topped by the mouthwatering rematch between Troy Williamson and Callum Simpson.
Middleweight Silva represents the step-up Tyler, who fights out of the D&A gym, needs. Born in Portugal, based in Manchester, he’s peeled off nine victories, four inside distance. On paper, Silva has the edge in power and will start favourite.
As Christopher put it: “It’s my moment of truth, this is what I came to England for. It’s sink or swim. I’ve wanted a TV shot my entire career – can I rise to the occasion?”
The Bermudian, who’s fought exclusively in small halls, needs TV revenue because he’s not a ticket-seller: he’s not going to get substantial “bums on seats” paydays.
To date, he hasn’t put a foot wrong in compiling an 12-0 record. Christopher has a smooth, relaxed style and, I believe, hits harder than the two stoppages on his slate suggests. You have to have a dig to drop Jordan Grannum, the best journeyman in the business. He also possesses a personality big enough for the big stage.
I can’t recall the man losing a round, although Saturday’s outing will be the first against an opponent with a winning record. In fairness, Silva has also had his share of undemanding contests. It’s his acid test, too.
“This is a learning experience – it’s not going to be the last time I box on TV,” Christopher insisted. “I have what they (the viewers) are looking for, I have what the judges are looking for. They can expect to see good, quality boxing
“We know Silva’s capabilities, but he makes a lot of mistakes. On paper, it doesn’t look like my power’s that good – that’s probably why he took the fight. But ask my opponents, they’ll tell you about my left hand.
“There’s more pressure on him,” Christopher said. “He says he’s going to do this and that, he’s putting pressure on himself, he’s talking himself into a hole.”
On Saturday night, we’ll know a lot more about Tyler Christopher and what the future holds. The short-term future does not include a pro contest in his home country. A major title could make that a possibility.
Tyler added: “There are no opportunities for me to fight there. Over here, I’ve had 12 contests.”
Christopher has said it many times: “It gets greater later.” This weekend those words are put to the test.