Boxing

 

Lurking In The Shadows Of The Featherweight Elite: Scott Harrison Bids To Be Called A World Champion

By Chris Curry, Belfast, Northern Ireland

19.10 - The Featherweight division has once again sparked a flame. Prince Naseem Hamed brought class and excitement during the 1990's and was responsible for the Featherweight elite's paydays. Today Naseem's future is unclear and in the shadows of Marco Antonio Barrera verse's Johnny Tapia and Erik Morales Vs Paulie Ayala, two other fighters willing be squaring off for their claim to be called a Featherweight Champion of the World.

The belt in which Naseem Hamed proudly wore during has reign as Featherweight Champion is on the line again in Britain. This time the WBO Featherweight World Championship will not be announced with fireworks and a showmanship entrance. But will be fought for by two determined fighters who want their chance against the cream of the division.

Julio Pablo Chacon of Argentina and Scotland's, Scott Harrison will take centre ring on Saturday night. Chacon will be making the third defence of his WBO world championship against the tough Scotsman. Harrison will be entering the ring as the WBO's interim world champion, and champion of Great Britain and the Commonwealth.

Julio Pablo Chacon won his Championship against the undefeated Istvan Kovacs in Budapest, Hungary. He is a fighter that travels well and is used to a hostile crowd. Chacon will receive this treatment on Saturday night, when 5000 Scottish fans will be roaring their warrior into battle in the Braehead Arena, Glasgow. The WBO Featherweight title is Chacon's meal ticket. If he can keep winning defences of this championship, he lives in hope of a payday against the elite in the division. He is a solid puncher with 31 of his 44 wins coming by knockout. Regardless of what people think of the WBO, this belt is meant for better fighters and has been modelled by some of the finest.

What I saw of Chacon in his last defence against Victor Polo, was nearly a disgrace for a so-called world championship fight. Chacon was down in round three by the weak punching Polo and won on a split decision. He has since fought Victor Hugo Paz in a non-title fight winning over ten rounds. Scott Harrison I believe is the greater all round fighter. No part of his make up as a fighter is greater than the other. Harrison is becoming a well-seasoned professional in every department and his team has brought him along well.

Following an early set back in Scott's career, a four round points loss in his fourth fight and a draw in his fifth. Harrison rebounded to become a rival amongst world class Featherweights. He won the IBO Intercontinental title in his tenth fight, his eleventh fight he was Commonwealth Featherweight champion when he defeated Patrick Mullings over twelve rounds. Following the Mullings fight, Scott was fed a diet of former world champions. At a risk, but a learning experience. It paid off. First up was Tracy Harris Patterson at Madison Square Garden, New York. Harrison won well over ten rounds. Next was Tom "Boom Boom" Johnson who was beaten by the Scotsman on points in the London Arena. Following winning the British title against Richie Wenton in four rounds and a British and Commonwealth defence against Gary Thornhill in five, Harrison took apart Steve Robinson in three rounds and retired the faded welsh veteran. The Cinderella Man, Robinson won the WBO Featherweight World Championship at 24 hours notice, losing during his eighth defence against the new kid, Prince Naseem Hamed.

Next up for Chacon is Harrison. With a great win against Victor Santiago for the WBO Interim World Championship, Harrison I believe will be the new WBO Featherweight champion this Saturday night. Chacon's boxing skills will not match the Scotsman's and Julio's only hope is a punchers chance. I was not impressed with Chacon's skills against Victor Polo, his basic boxing etiquette was very bad. Scott Harrison is good textbook boxer and this will be the difference. Look for Harrison to win on points in an entertaining contest. Julio has never been stopped and the competitiveness of Harrison may bring a better fight out of Chacon. But will not be enough.

Questions or Comments to Chris_esboxing@hotmail.com

0 comments
 


Bookmark and Share

 

If you detect any issues with the legality of this site, problems are always unintentional and will be corrected with notification.
The views and opinions of all writers expressed on eastsideboxing.com do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Management.
Copyright © 2001- 2015 East Side Boxing.com - Privacy Policy