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Harrison pulls out of title fight

07/12/2006

Scott Harrison has withdrawn from Saturday's title fight with Nicky Cook, according to the WBO featherweight champion's father and trainer Peter.

Harrison, who cited "medical advice" for the no-show, is forced to vacate his title because he is unable to defend the belt at the scheduled event in London's ExCel Arena.

The fighter, who is from Cambuslang in Scotland, had been due to fight Englishman Cook for a while but recent problems meant he could not make the required weight of 9st, 7lbs at last night's weigh-in.

Harrison also fell foul of the scales of justice earlier this year when he was incarcerated in a Spanish jail in October following an alleged assault.

He was later released on November 13th but the intervening period has not been long enough for him to get under the required weight, despite saying he was in the best shape of his life just two weeks ago.

The 29-year-old passed medical tests set by the British Boxing Board of Control after he returned to the UK following his spell behind bars in Malaga and was told he would be allowed to fight.

But last night's problems at the weigh-in mean the WBO featherweight title is now vacant and Harrison's career looks in jeopardy as he faces criminal charges both in Spain and in Scotland.

Fight promoter Frank Warren is expected to make a formal announcement regarding the cancellation at some point today.


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