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Boxing

Troubled Harrison faces uncertain future

09/11/2006

Scott Harrison has been forced to cancel his World Boxing Organisation (WBO) featherweight title bout against Nicky Cook next month after his application for release from a Spanish prison was rejected.

Promoter Frank Warren confirmed the 29-year-old Scottish boxer, dubbed the Real McCoy, failed to secure his release having already been held for the past month for allegedly assaulting a police officer in Malaga.

Speaking on his website, Warren said: "The situation with Scott is obviously very disappointing. For the last month or so we've been advised that he would secure bail and be in a position to defend his title.

"It now looks as if that won't be the case, so it's with great regret that the fight has been called off. As for Harrison's position regarding his title, his future is now in the hands of the WBO."

The growing consensus is that Harrison's boxing career is now in the balance, after he was also previously charged in the UK with assault and for being drunk and disorderly.

Warren refused to comment directly on his charge's future in the ring but did add: "From a non-boxing point of view, Scott obviously has a lot of problems that he needs to address, and I just hope that he can sort himself out."

Meanwhile, Harrison's top billing fight at the ExCel Arena on December 9th is to be taken by Welsh WBO world cruiserweight champion Enzo Maccarinelli.

Matt Skelton will also be defending his commonwealth heavyweight title on the evening against Audley Harrison, while prospect Amir Khan will make his first eight-round contest.

"It's very sad with everything that has happened with Scott, but when Frank asked me to step in I jumped at the chance," Maccarinelli said.

"The [Mark] Hobson fight didn't take too much out of me so I'm raring to go at the moment - I just can't wait to show everyone in London what I can do."

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