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Harrison withdraws from title defence

07/03/2006

Scott Harrison has been forced to cancel the ninth defence of his WBO featherweight title because of an abscess.

The Scottish fighter was due to meet Joan Guzman of the Dominican Republic at the Braehead Arena in Glasgow on March 25th.

However, Peter Harrison, Scott's father and trainer, revealed that the 28-year-old champ is in no fit state to fight.

"Scott's training has been a nightmare from the start," Harrison senior said. "He developed a cold in the first week, but everything seemed okay following the birth of his daughter, Maria.

"But then Scott was hit by a gum infection and was forced to return from [his training camp in] Fort William to visit his dentist. Things have got worse since then and Scott phoned me on Sunday morning to say his neck was swollen."

Promoter Frank Warren has been informed of the news and said while it is unfortunate, he is determined to still put out a top-class bill.

"Naturally the loss of Scott Harrison is a blow. However, these things happen and it's no-one's fault," he said. "Scott is in no fit state to undertake such an important and potentially difficult fight."

Unbeaten lightweight Amir Khan is in action on the bill and Warren added that he hopes to entice one of Britain's heavyweights to agree to a late fight.

"I am in the process of trying to fix up Danny Williams or Matt Skelton and I am certain either fighter will prove a huge attraction for the fans, who will also be keen to see Amir in action for a second time," he said. "We will still put on a good show."

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