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Maloney: Harrison faces biggest fight of his life

17/05/2006

Frank Maloney believes Scott Harrison faces his toughest fight yet as he attempts to recover from chronic depression and alcohol addiction.

The 28-year-old Scottish boxer, who had been due to defend his WBO world featherweight title this Saturday, today checked into The Priory centre in Glasgow.

Harrison will here attempt to overcome his illness but Maloney, his manager, admits that the hard work is only just beginning.

"Scott has depression and alcohol problem and now faces the biggest fight of his life," Maloney said.

"An addiction is a very hard thing. I've got someone close to me who is addicted and I can tell you they will cheat and lie to fulfil their addiction."

Maloney did add, however, that he is confident Harrison can beat the problem now he has faced up to it.

"Scott was brave. He accepted responsibility and he was disappointed in letting a lot of people in Belfast down," he added.

"I think he can come back with the right help and the right encouragement. Scott has a close-knit family and some good people around him and with that he will pull through and come back."

Today's step for Harrison will hopefully bring an end to a series of sour incidents that have detracted from his commendable achievements in the ring.

The Glaswegian was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning following yet another bar brawl at a nightclub in Balloch, Dunbartonshire.

This cast serious shadows over his boxing future seeing as he already faces trial in September after being arrested last month for disturbing the peace, refusing to leave a premises, resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.

Promoter Frank Warren has slammed Harrison for cancelling his planned fight against Gairy St Clair at the King's Hall in Belfast this weekend.

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