16.06.04 – WBO World Featherweight Champion SCOTT HARRISON has promised boxing fans that they will know who the ‘Real Harrison’ is on Saturday 19 June. The tough Scotsman makes the second defence of his title, in his second reign as World champion, against the dangerous mandatory challenger from Armenia, WILLIAM ABELYAN, and will be roared on by 5,000 passionate fans at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow in what is a real fight.
On the same night his namesake South of the border, heavyweight Audley Harrison, takes on the latest handpicked opponent – Pole Tomasz Bonin – at the Alexandra Palace defending his Mickey Mouse WBF title.
The similarity between the two ends at their name.
Whilst the Scottish hero has beaten four former World champions in Tom Johnson, Tracy Harris Patterson, Steve Robinson and Wayne McCullough and became the first Scot ever to regain a World title, Fraudley has still yet to face a ‘live’ opponent after 16 fights and over three years in the pro ranks.
The fiery 126lb fighter from Cambuslang stormed, “Make no mistake there’s only ONE Harrison in British boxing and that’s me – The Real Harrison,”
He continued, “The fans aren’t stupid, they know a real fighter and they know that I am value for money. The difference is I will fight anyone who is put in front of me and I don’t handpick my opponents,”
Audinary even tried to gatecrash Glasgow in October 2001 with his fight against hapless Pole Piotr Jurczyk in attempt to steal the thunder from the Scottish hero but he couldn’t fool the fans.
“He tried to tread on my home turf but he didn’t get the crowd or the reception he was expecting and has never come back,” added Harrison.
“Everytime I’ve fought in Glasgow the place has been rocking and it will be the same this Saturday night against Abelyan. I’m expecting to have a war where I will have to get in the trenches and grit my teeth to come through the winner – something Audley will never have to do if he continues facing the level of opponent he’s been facing.” Finished Harrison.
Promoter Frank Warren said, “The only Harrison I’m focused on at the moment is Scott who is involved in real World title fight which the fans recognise. Scott’s only too happy to accept a pay cheque from me!”