How do the boxing experts rate One Jab's left fist?

John Prescott's readiness to settle an argument with his fists impressed the boxing world, because there seemed no doubt that the speed of his punch was the hallmark of an ageing athlete who at least knew what he was doing.

"A good shot," was the ver dict of the former world featherweight champion and Sky television pundit Barry McGuigan, who was keen to give the deputy prime minister a couple of technical tips.

"If he just bent his knee a little and planted his right foot more firmly as he threw the punch, he could have had him down. The fellow would have gone over. But it was good to see a politician responding like a red-blooded man."

Brendan Ingle, Naseem Hamed's former trainer, said he would sign up Mr Prescott if he tired of politics. "I thought it was a brilliant left hand. Prescott did everything right - the delivery of the shot was perfect. It was a terrific shot. He showed great timing."

"It reminded me of 'two ton' Tony Galento [a roly-poly heavyweight who once floored Joe Louis in a world title fight]. He didn't stop to think, he just threw the left hand instinctively. The referee should have cautioned the other guy when he got hold of Prescott's lapels. But John could have thrown the right cross to follow up, and that would have finished him off."

With the support of a noted boxer and trainer, Mr Prescott would need a promoter. Two of the country's finest delivered a split decision on his capabilities. Frank Maloney, the manager of Lennox Lewis and a promoter, said: "It was the best jab that I have seen in 10 years. Absolutely first-class, he has great potential. I have not seen a jab as good as that since Lennox Lewis was dismantling Gary Mason back in 1991."

But Frank Warren questioned whether or not Mr Prescott had the power to survive with the best and suggested: "He's over 30, and I don't mean 30 stone, and the fact he couldn't put the guy down suggests he's a non-puncher. Once Audley Harrison has finished with Mike Middleton at Wembley on Saturday night, perhaps he will see the deputy prime minister as his next opponent."

But one seasoned observer, the retired ITV commentator Reg Gutteridge, suggested the public should not hype the new find too far.

"It looked to me as though he didn't know the difference between a coat hook and a left hook. He may have got the punch in, but he looked like a bit of an amateur to me."

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