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Boxing

Skelton lined up to face Harrison

02/10/2006

Matt Skelton will make the first defence of his Commonwealth heavyweight title against fellow Briton Audley Harrison at London's ExCel Arena on December 9th.

The 39-year-old champion from Bedford beat Londoner Danny Williams to claim the belt in July and was thought to be in line for a shot at a world title.

But instead, he will have to face 2000 Olympic Games champion Harrison, whose career has derailed since losing a Commonwealth bout with Williams in December last year.

The fight is already being billed as a final chance for Harrison, who recently hired world-respected trainer Buddy McGirt to help him fulfil his potential.

Fight promoter Frank Warren said: "Audley lost to Danny Williams last year, and let himself down. He must know that if he looks as bad again, it is difficult to see where he can go in the sport."

Their fight will be on the undercard of Scott Harrison's WBO featherweight title defence against Nicky Cook, confirmed last week. Amir Khan will also contest his tenth professional fight on the same bill.

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