Harrison sees Walsh fight as world title ‘stepping stone’

FORMER world champion Scott Harrison has much to prove before he convinces his critics that he is a truly reformed character.

But the ex-WBO featherweight title-holder, from Cambuslang, is adamant that he is a changed man for the better after learning from a series of bitter lessons that partially wrecked his career as it was approaching its peak.

Speaking yesterday for the first time since the announcement that he will challenge Liam Walsh for the Norfolk boxer’s European lightweight title on a Frank Warren promotion at Wembley Arena on 20 April, Harrison was keen not to dwell on past misdemeanours. Instead, the remarkably durable 35-year-old preferred to focus on the future after fighting only twice since the last of his world title bouts in November 2005. “This is the fight I have wanted and needed to get me back into the WBO top 10 rankings and ultimately a world title shot,” said Harrison, who defeated Gyorgy Mizsei and Joe Elfidh in the space of four months during last year’s comeback.

“When Frank’s office called I didn’t need to be asked twice, because this is the best news I’ve had for a very long time.

“I have been looking for this level of fight for years and I am now relishing getting the job done and showing that I’m back in business. I was out a long time, but that won’t be a factor. When I came back last June, after more than six-and-a-half years, I looked good and I have been training hard since then.

“I’ve been preparing in the gym for the past month and a half already. Training has been going well and now I’m looking forward to climbing back into the ring. I never doubted that this would happen one day and I never lost my focus or desire to train, though there were a few times when I wondered if some people were trying to keep me out of the big picture.”

Walsh, 26, is undefeated in 13 contests, but Harrison added: “It won’t go 12 rounds. I’ll stop him later on in the fight, although he is undefeated, he is sharp and he moves well, so I won’t underestimate him. But I’ve been there before in 11 world title fights and I am a two-time champion. This is my stepping stone to another world title.”