Harrison in shock after bid to regain licence fails

Former world featherweight champion Scott Harrison has spoken of his shock after failing in a bid to regain his boxing licence.

The 34-year-old Scot revealed he had been informed by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) that he had not submitted all the relevant paperwork.

Harrison has not fought since 2005 after struggling with personal problems but has been in training since being released from a spell in a Spanish jail.

Harrison, who lost just one of ten world title fights, told BBC Scotland: “They have had every piece of paper they have needed. I don’t know what’s happened.

“I am still in the dark about what’s happening with my future. I’m shocked. I’ve got a family and I can’t provide for my three kids without getting my licence back. I feel confident of winning the world title again and being a three-time world champion, only if the British Boxing Board of Control return my licence.”

The BBBofC have not commented on the situation.

Trained by father Peter, Harrison first won the WBO featherweight title in October 2002, beating Juan Pablo Chacon at Braehead Arena. He defended his belt successfully against Wayne McCullough, but then lost to Manuel Medina in July of the following year. Unbowed, Harrison secured a re-match with the Mexican and stopped him in the 11th round to become a two-time world champion.

Six victories and a draw followed as the Cambuslang fighter kept hold of his belt, making his final defence against Nedal Hussein at Braehead in May 2005.

But Harrison pulled out of a scheduled defence the following year, then was stripped of his belt in December of that year when he failed to turn up for the weigh-in with Nicky Cook. He later lost his licence as a series of charges came to light in Spain, which led to a 30-month jail sentence.