Harrison: New, improved me will be worth wait
THEY may have to wait a while longer than they had hoped to see their man return to ring. But Scott Harrison believes that Scottish fight fans will see a new, improved version of the former featherweight world champion when his bout against Tackie Annan of Ghana finally goes ahead in the New Year.
Originally scheduled for tonight, Harrison’s return is now tentatively set to go ahead at the Bellahouston Club Glasgow at the start of 2019 after Annan pulled out of the fight a fortnight ago due to injury. The Scot, who hasn’t fought for five years, believes he will be worth the wait.
“I feel that I am a better version of Scott Harrison,” said the 41-year-old, who served three years of a four-year prison sentence for assault in prisons in Spain and Scotland. “I am older, wiser. Obviously I
‘‘ I am older, wiser. Obviously I keep out of any sort of trouble
keep out of of any sort of trouble. And I have been working harder.
“I am watching my diet, eating better than I did back then. I am in better condition now, much sharper. I just kept myself focused. I knew one day I would get my opportunity.”
Denied the return of his licence to box by the British Boxing Board of Control, Harrison was granted one instead by the British and Irish Boxing Authority. “See if there was just a wee square of ground, I could still work out,” he said. “They can lock you up in a wee box – but you can still train. They’ll never break your spirit.”
Harrison, who combined his training whilst in Barlinnie with indulging an interest in art, said last night that he has been overwhelmed by the reaction he has had since his return.
“To be honest, I think there is more support now than there was then,” he said. “A lot of people have been showing a lot of support and respect through everything.
“When I was locked up, that gave me time to paint and I realised how good I could be. Maybe when I retire from boxing I’ll take it up again.”