Boxing: Scott Harrison eager to make a mark

Scott Harrison will return to the ring next month after signing a new promotional contract. Picture: SNS

Harrison, who has fought only three times since defeating Australian Nedal Hussein in November 2005 – most recently in April last year when he lost to Liam Walsh for the European lightweight crown – is to make a comeback at Paisley’s Lagoon Centre on 12 December at the age of 37.

Iain Wilson and Colin Bellshaw, co-directors of Saltire Promotions and the St Andrew’s Sporting Club, have signed Harrison to a promotional contract that also guarantees him fights in February and March.

It constitutes a gamble by the pair, given Harrison’s track record and the fact that he is also facing the threat of extradition at the behest of the Spanish authorities relating to a conviction for assault in 2007.

Harrison pointed out at yesterday’s media conference in Glasgow that he was not there to talk about “the stuff in Spain”, stressing that it is a matter for his lawyers.

But he said: “I am very confident it will be dealt with. It is something from 2007 and this is nearly 2015. But it has been an absolute nightmare since getting involved over there and buying a house in Spain was the worst thing I have ever done.

“But I am confident it will all be behind me and this will be a new chapter. It’s good to be sitting here and talking about fighting in Scotland again.

“I have been promised regular fights and that’s something I have not had since I came back. I have been getting two and three weeks’ notice at times and only finding out opponents on the day of fights.

“Now I can build some momentum and keep progressing rather than going back to square one every few months. People will see the Scott Harrison of old, if not even better.

“I have got no doubt I can fight for a world title again, at 9st 7lbs or 9st 4lbs if the right fight comes up as I am between these weights. It’s all about getting the opportunity. Sometimes politics are involved.

“I would be more surprised to get the opportunity, but I would not be surprised to win another world title. I have done it before and know what it takes.

“There have been so many hurdles through the years. There have been so many ups and downs I could have lost my marbles. But they will not be able to ignore me if I am knocking people over.”

Harrison is refusing to look beyond the immediate future but he did allude to the possibility of a fight with Ricky Burns, the former two-weight world champion from Coatbridge.

He also claimed he takes inspiration from Bernard Hopkins, who remains a world champion at nearly 50, adding that he plans to continue fighting well into his forties.

“It would be easier to walk away as it is much tougher to keep coming back but I will not be defeated. It is not in my nature. I am too stubborn.”