07.05.04 – After being a no show at yesterday’s press conference, Julius Francis (23-16-1, 12KOs) showed up in Bristol and met undefeated Olympic gold medallist Audley Harrison (15-0, 11KOs) for the official weigh-in for their WBF Heavyweight Championship fight in the Battle at Bristol on Saturday night at Whitchurch Sports Centre in Bristol, England. The official weights were: Audley Harrison: 17stone 7.25lbs (245 lbs), Julius Francis: 18stones 4lbs (256.5 lbs)
Julius Francis
“When I got the call, I jumped on the opportunity. I was already training for another fight so I am in great shape and ready to go.
“I know my way around the ring and although I give Audley credit for his amateur career and he thinks this fight is a chance for him to come of age as a pro, he won’t be able to handle my experience and unfortunately his plan will hit a major snag.
“I’ve seen this before. These young professionals all think they can make it but few do and tomorrow you’ll have a new champion.
“It’s about time our paths crossed. What’s my plan? My experience is my plan. Sure he’s confident and uses the skills he has well. But it’s not going to be anything I haven’t seen before. There’s no extra excitement in this fight. If there was I would be giving him too much credit. He doesn’t deserve that yet. I was actually shocked he even wanted to take this fight and fight someone of my calibre. I am just happy I’ll have another belt.
Audley Harrison
“Look, Julius can say all he wants. I’m just glad he showed up and he’s good to go. He looks good and he’s lighter than his last fight. He’s strong, experienced and not afraid to take dangerous fights. Good for him because that’s what this fight is. Dangerous. I might just put an end to his career.
“He obviously has a higher opinion of himself than most if he thinks I am not prepared to fight someone like him. I do think he’s going to fight me different than his other opponents. He’s going to fight me better and work through what I show him. But this is payback time for me and the only way this fight is going to end is with me winning and sending him in to retirement.”
Undercard Fighters (Championship Bouts Only)
WBF Super Featherweight Championship
Carl Johanneson 9.2 ½ stones (128.5 lbs)
Andrew Ferrans 9.2 stones (128 lbs)
Vacant Middleweight Champion of England
Scott Dann 11.4 ¾ stones (158.75 lbs)
Danny Thornton 9.12 ¼ stones (138.25 lbs)
Vacant Light Welterweight Championship of England
Sammy Smith 9.12 ¼ stones (138.25 lbs)
Young Muttley 9.11 ¾ stones (137.25 lbs)
***All other fighters will weigh in the day of the fight.