Boxing: Harrison eyes title after stopping Peers.

Real McCoy starts world title come back bid with third-round win behind closed doors

Scott Harrison is adamant he is still capable of getting his hands on a lightweight world title at the age of 42 after stopping Paul Peers in his first fight since 2013.

The former two-time featherweight world champion picked up victory in the third round on Saturday evening behind closed doors at the Northern Hotel in Aberdeen.

Harrison twice floored the Englishman with crunching body shots before Peers’ corner threw in the towel.

The Cambuslang boxer fought under the British and Irish Boxing Authority banner having been denied a licence by the British Boxing Board of Control in 2018 after he was released from jail after serving a four-year sentence for assault.

But the Real McCoy is now determined to make up for lost time, despite turning 43 next month, after collecting the 28th win of his 33-fight career.

Harrison said: “I’m not here to kid myself on and make a couple of quid; I’m here to win the world title, it’s as simple as that.

“I know what is needed to be world champion, I know what it’s like at that level.”

He added: “In that fight I was just warming up there. I’ve not boxed in seven years, and I know what’s needed to be done to be world champion.”

Harrison’s last outing ended in defeat to Liam Walsh in London seven years.

He vacated his WBO featherweight belt in December 2006 after being unable to fulfil a fight with Nicky Cook, and stepped back from the sport amid battles with depression and drink.

Harrison added: “It’s been a tough seven years being out of the ring and not getting a licence, it’s been absolute torture, not just for me but for my family. Getting back in my first fight after seven years is a dream come true.

“My whole world went upside down when I lost my boxing licence.

“Fair played to BIBA. I’ll be fighting hopefully in the next six to eight weeks. I need plenty of fights to try and climb back up the ladder again and get a world title shot.”

“In that fight I was just warming up there”

BACK IN ACTION: Scott Harrison, who insists he still has what it takes to be a lightweight world champion, made a winning return after a seven-year absence