05.02.04 – According to a report on www.frankwarren.tv, Frank Warren and Audley Harrison were involved in the domestic dust-up of the year so far at a London press conference today. Warren had organised for a Comical Ali lookalike to be present in order to pile the pressure on Harrison, who has failed to back up claims he would fight for the British heavyweight title in his formative years as pro.
Comical Ali was mid-way through his act – which involved reading out Harrison’s statements about beating Danny Williams et al – when the man himself arrived.
Dressed like a 1920s Glasgow gangster, complete with pork pie hat and long coat, Harrison swept into the room with a megaphone and entourage.
“Come and join the party,” exclaimed Warren, but the niceties stopped there as the pair then went at it like a couple of seasoned pros.
“You are full of bullshit!” shouted Warren, as Harrison insisted that he would face Matt Skelton or Danny Williams.
It was an argument neither man was prepared to back down in, and the verbal blows were soon raining down.
“I’ll fight any of you heavyweights – but on the BBC!” responded Harrison.
Warren retorted: “We’ll put it out to sealed purse bids and whoever wins can have the fight. It can go on the BBC or on Sky.”
But it was an option that didn’t interest Harrison.
He then claimed that American boxing writers thought he had no need to fight for the British title, and facing last opponent Brian Nix was as good as tackling Danny Williams.
To prove his point, Harrison produced copies of magazines that featured him on the front cover.
“If you have no respect for the British heavyweight title then go and live in America!” said Warren.
Back and forward the insults went, with Warren offering Harrison a fight against WBC International heavyweight champion Denis Bakhtov on Saturday night.
“I’m training for a world title fight,” said Harrison, in reference to his upcoming bout against Richel Hersisia.
Warren quipped: “Against Rachel’s sister!”
Then, just as calm descended and Harrison was about to take questions from the press, he elected to leave the room.
“Look at you, always scuttling off at the last minute!” exclaimed Warren. “Leaving through the long grass as usual.”
But Harrison wanted to have the last word: “The future of the British heavyweight division is leaving the room.
“I’m the only heavyweight who has a chance!”
But unless Harrison takes up the offer – put to him over and over again by Warren – of proving it, we shall never know.