BoxRec

Who should Harrison fight next?

Who do you think Scott should fight next.

1) Should he take it easy after a tough year and fight someone like at Dezzo Williams or Nicky Cook?

2) Should he give the tricky Medina a deserving rubber match?

3) Should he go for a risky domestic "Super" fight with Michael Brodie, don't forget this may be for the WBC belt aswell.

4) Should he fight a American name who's over the hill like a Kevin Kelly.

5) Should he go for it big style and fight Barrera now he's vulnerable.

6) Should he fight a Victor Polo, Johnny Tapia - a calaculate big name risk like Medina was.

7) Should he fight his mandatory.

Now the aim of the thread is a bit create a bit of fantasy (i.e. a what would you do if you were Maloney type thread).

I like the idea of option 1, 2 or 4 (Harrison needs a rest now).

It looks like he will fight his mandatory, which is understandable. Then he should look for a big fight. Barrera has always respected the WBO and if he's going to continue he may decide to fight Harrison, which would be great to see.

Brodie fight would be hard to make, Brodie being with Hearn etc...

Medina may deserve a rematch, but we saw what happened on saturday when Harrison is in top condition and i cant see it being much different, once Mednia's awkward style is figured he doesn't offer much more.

A fight with Williams or Cook would be a step down and would only be acceptable for a warm up fight.

Tapia would be a smart move, he's a former world champ, famous around the world of boxing and there for the taking. But the win wouldn't recieve too much credit from synical americans. Polo would be a step down from Mednia, is kind of awkward and Harrison would be in a no win situation as Polo isn't a famous name.

He should fight Abeylan or whatever his name is, then look for a big fight.

Yes, he's fighting the Armenian turned down by Calzaghe!

Sorry, I didn't see the match I was at a conference for the weekend whose his mandatory? According to the WBO rankings it should be Barrera!!!!!

I agree with Adam about your theories, but do you think Harrison needs a step down. He's had 4 very tough matches - okay some were not hard fights but he had to train like a bastard cause they were ALL supposed to be 50:50. Don't you think a match with Williams etc would be a wise career move, then he can have a big summer match feeling refreshed.

Well his fight with Wayne Mac was easy, and he's finaly set the record straight by beating an old guy he should've dealt with first time round - so I don't think it's exactly a Fernando Vargas type situation.
No need for soft fights - get the mandatory over, then go for a big name who he has a good chance with - Brodie, who might prefer it to going all the way to Korea for world war 2, would be prefect.
The maybe a late 2004 showdown with a fading Barrera..

MightyWarrior wrote:Well his fight with Wayne Mac was easy, and he's finaly set the record straight by beating an old guy he should've dealt with first time round - so I don't think it's exactly a Fernando Vargas type situation.
No need for soft fights - get the mandatory over, then go for a big name who he has a good chance with - Brodie, who might prefer it to going all the way to Korea for world war 2, would be prefect.
The maybe a late 2004 showdown with a fading Barrera..

MW - yes, but Wayne McCullough and Chacon were not supposed to be easy matches, neither were his two matches with Medina. All four contest (at least should have been) should have been treated, by the Harrison camp, as pick em - where he'd have to train at the highest intensity.

Now, Oscar De La Hoya (who I consider one of the greatest "fighting champions" - i.e. fighting top names of recent times) has had fights that were expected to be tough, but didn't end up so (Reulas, Chavez). I'm sure he trained for these as hard as his other Super fights that were not only tough on paper (Whittikar, Quartey, Trinidad, Moseley, Vargas etc).

However, despite some of his contests not being as hard as expected he's still faught easier opponents (where I would imagine he didn't train with quite the same intensity) which he treated not quite the same - guys like Camacho, Carpentier, Campas etc. This shows that training at 1000% intensity all the time does take its toll, I would be worried if Harrison has a toughy next up. Maybe this mandatory isn't a tremendous fighter.

stujones wrote:Sorry, I didn't see the match I was at a conference for the weekend whose his mandatory? According to the WBO rankings it should be Barrera!!!!!

He's an Armenian southpaw by the name of William Abelayn (that might not be spelt totally correctly). He's based in the States.

bennie wrote:

stujones wrote:Sorry, I didn't see the match I was at a conference for the weekend whose his mandatory? According to the WBO rankings it should be Barrera!!!!!

He's an Armenian southpaw by the name of William Abelayn (that might not be spelt totally correctly). He's based in the States.

Abelyan in March

Barrera would kill him.

He should fight a rubber match.

a clean one

Adamiw Posted: 02 Dec 2003 20:58
once Mednia's awkward style is figured he doesn't offer much more.

Beg to differ,
Harrison has only proved he’s on the same (2nd) level with Medina by splitting 2 fights with him.
If he is really is a “legend” as the press are now labeling him, he should prove his worth by giving Medina a rematch in Tijuana.
Manuel would offer more there than U think. 8)

Polo would be a step down from Mednia, is kind of awkward and Harrison would be in a no win situation as Polo isn't a famous name.

I guess U don’t follow boxing in America much. 8)
Polo is better known than Harrison is in America because of his 3 previous championship challenges.
All of them were doubtful decisions favoring the house fighter.
(He made Gainer run like a bitch in his own home state.)
Instead of deserved rematches he has been frozen out.
Victor is certainly not a step down.

He should fight Abeylan or whatever his name is, then look for a big fight.

Since when has the WBO been enforcing the mandatory?
Polo has already beaten Abelyan so it’s obvious how f*cked up the WBO ratings are. 8)

The only way Harrison’s gona get a crack at the top feathers is to commit to one of the “major” bodies and get in line.
Now, if only Frank would loosen his purse strings and offer the top guys what they are worth…

Tantum wrote:Barrera would kill him.

The crass generalisations can no longer be applied to Barrerra - by losing to the hitherto "reasonable" but not supposedly stellar Pacquaio - he has IMO confirmed the fear that he has peaked and will be in progressively tougher and tougher bouts.

I agree he might BEAT Harrison - but not by a great distance.

As far as re-matches - what about Barrerra-Pacquaio II before MAB gets his "shot" at a (albeit a WBO) title and the chance to prove he is not "shot"???

stujones wrote: MW - yes, but Wayne McCullough and Chacon were not supposed to be easy matches, neither were his two matches with Medina. All four contest (at least should have been) should have been treated, by the Harrison camp, as pick em - where he'd have to train at the highest intensity.

I stated in a post some time ago and just prior to the first Medina fight that I was concerned that Harrison was taking on too many quality opponents in quick succession. He won't duck anyone but sometimes a fighter needs to be protected by their managemet for their own sake.

Frank Maloney sadly is a complete buffoon who doesn't think before he speaks - well, not "think" as you and I know it. His proclamations about Scott being the greatest Scottish fighter of all time and greatest British fighter of the moment are premature at best and he should think more of earning his fighter some easier earned purses from time to time rather than agreeing to fight guys that will generate more money and thus line his own pockets with more commission.

Blue I disagree to be honest, Medina looked pretty much past it to me,
he tried his heart out, but the legs weren't there.

In the first fight, Harrison stood off him too much, and didn't close the gap quick enough, which allowed Medina to circle the ring at a leisurely canter.

Second time around, Harrison's pressure forced Medina to move just that little bit more, and there was a lot more desperation about Medina's work.

Although I had Medina very much in the fight, it was obvious that he was getting drained, when a fighter falls over as many times as Medina did in the 5th, they are tired, I don't care what they say about the canvas ads.

Medina did get a second wind in the fight, but he was stopped not by clean punches, but by a combination of Harrison's pressure and sheer exhaustion from skittering around the ring.

I don't see any point in a 3rd matchup, he will just get stopped again. Tapia is a better bet, at least he will punch with more authority.

jamesmcdonnell wrote: I don't see any point in a 3rd matchup, he will just get stopped again. Tapia is a better bet, at least he will punch with more authority.

I agree, James. Harrison beat him covincingly and I for one don't fancy watching that type of fight for a third time.

Tolstoy, who would you like to see Harrison fight? Would you like Harrison in a resting fight (if so, who?) or would you like to see Harrison in a tough fight (if so, who?). Become his fantasy promoter.

I would like him to fight Brodie down the line which would be a huge domestic fight for us all.

HH

What would Medina do differently in a third fight?

Harrison would bang him out even earlier.

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Blue I disagree to be honest, Medina looked pretty much past it to me, he tried his heart out, but the legs weren't there.

I read (and have posted elsewhere) that Medina was listed in the Ring Mag's State of the Game (in 1998!!!!) as the "Is HE STILL around"!

So if he isn't washed up - who is? 80 odd fights - turned pro at 14!!! two big losses in his recent career.

one more thing - Why are you lot talking about Tapia? Medina alreday beat him - regardless of the result - he is as shot as Medina - looks good on the record though.

Is he fit to box? Didn't he have some kind of OD/funny turn recently?

He should take his mandatory, and then face either Tapia or maybe Ayala. Ayala would give him a tremendous scrap, I would fight Tapia first myself, and then maybe on to Ayala, which would be a big fight.

I do not see Warren Harrison in with Brodie unless he is certian he would kick him in. Brodie would give Harrison a very tough fight, I think Harrison would win, but it would be a war.

If Chi beats Brodie, then Harrison v Chi would be a smart move.

jamesmcdonnell wrote:He should take his mandatory, and then face either Tapia or maybe Ayala. Ayala would give him a tremendous scrap, I would fight Tapia first myself, and then maybe on to Ayala, which would be a big fight.

I do not see Warren Harrison in with Brodie unless he is certian he would kick him in. Brodie would give Harrison a very tough fight, I think Harrison would win, but it would be a war.

If Chi beats Brodie, then Harrison v Chi would be a smart move.

They should be making these fights quickly too - he'll soon be moving up!!!

stujones wrote:Tolstoy, who would you like to see Harrison fight? Would you like Harrison in a resting fight (if so, who?) or would you like to see Harrison in a tough fight (if so, who?). Become his fantasy promoter.

Thanks for reminding me that I didn't fully answer the question you posed, Stu.

I'd like to see him take a relatively "routine" defence or maybe even two, if there is such a thing and consolidate his position as WBO world champion.

Looking further ahead then and glancing at the world featherweight ratings there are a lot of very experienced campaigners still active. Tapia, Polo, Kelley etc and their experience alone should provide Harrison with more learning experiences and development opportunities.

Two "easy" defences then Kelley then Tapia. That would be my ideal scenario and if Scott gets through them well maybe time to stick his neck out and go for one of the top three above him.

Point well taken jamesmcdonnell,

My post was a reaction to Adamiw’s smoke screen.
The second time around, Harrison used his head (literally) cut of the ring (holding is more likely ) and was aided by a hometown crowd & sympathetic referee.

He was lucky to catch Medina early, which obviously affected his performance just like in the Barrera-Pacquiao fight. Though Pacman’s win was even wider than Harrison’s, Barrera’s getting a return & I don’t see many saying he’s shot.

From a British point of view there is no reason for a third fight, especially in Tijuana.
But from a Mexican view it sounds like whistling in the dark & walking away from the tiebreaker.
It’ all speculation. Isn’t it?

Harrison’s problem is that his two fights with Medina have lowered his stature in the eyes of the boxing community on this side of the Atlantic. So Warren’s gona have trouble getting the top guys to go to Britain; especially since Frank is not willing to put his money where his mouth is.
Frank’s also burned his bridges behind him with the WBC, so the Brodie-Chi winner is out. That winner will be attractive to the top guys.

With Abelyan & Polo sitting on the WBO steps, Scott’s work is cut out for him. No one who claims to be a champion should be taking “easy fights”

If Brodie loses, I would like to see him fight Harrison for top British recognition.

Blue wrote:Adamiw Posted: 02 Dec 2003 20:58
once Mednia's awkward style is figured he doesn't offer much more.

Beg to differ,
Harrison has only proved he’s on the same (2nd) level with Medina by splitting 2 fights with him.
If he is really is a “legend” as the press are now labeling him, he should prove his worth by giving Medina a rematch in Tijuana.
Manuel would offer more there than U think. 8)

Polo would be a step down from Mednia, is kind of awkward and Harrison would be in a no win situation as Polo isn't a famous name.

I guess U don’t follow boxing in America much. 8)
Polo is better known than Harrison is in America because of his 3 previous championship challenges.
All of them were doubtful decisions favoring the house fighter.
(He made Gainer run like a bitch in his own home state.)
Instead of deserved rematches he has been frozen out.
Victor is certainly not a step down.

He should fight Abeylan or whatever his name is, then look for a big fight.

Since when has the WBO been enforcing the mandatory?
Polo has already beaten Abelyan so it’s obvious how f*cked up the WBO ratings are. 8)

The only way Harrison’s gona get a crack at the top feathers is to commit to one of the “major” bodies and get in line.
Now, if only Frank would loosen his purse strings and offer the top guys what they are worth…

soz i haven't replied sooner, been at college etc...

The Medina point is a matter of opinion. IMO Harrison obviously wasn't 100% first time around. In the rematch they were both in good shape, and although i accept thye fight was far from one sided, Scott proved that he was the better man.

Polo. I been posting on forums with americans for some time, and i don't here them raving about him as much as you seem to think, and whenever they rank the featherweights, they accept that Harrison is near the top 5, where as Polo rarely makes their top 10. BUT WAIT!! He made Gainer run like a bitch? NO! never that! How he manage that one?

Matter of opnion if he's a step down or not, but lets not forget that Chacon beat Polo, and i think Harrison is a year on from that level. Polo is 33 also, and has certainly seen better days.

Since when you asked? For someone so clued up on boxing as arrogantly think you are, you have missed the news on this one. It's common knowledge that the WBO ordered the Medina-Harrison 2 winner to fight Abelyan within 90 days after winning the title. He's the WBO's #1 contender, and his defeat to Polo was nearly 4 years ago, when he was still young. Since then he has had 13 straight wins.

I think Harrison is well positioned to get a big fight. Barrera has always respected the WBO, and although is not a reigning champ he carries his WBO belt to the ring for every fight. I think a Harrison fight is unlikely, but if Barrera doesn't want to jump straight back in with Pacquaio, it's certainly a possibility.

And according to boxingtime, negotiations for Harrison-Pacquaio have already begun!

adamiw Posted: 04 Dec 2003 18:11
The Medina point is a matter of opinion. IMO Harrison obviously wasn't 100% first time around. In the rematch they were both in good shape, and although i accept thye fight was far from one sided, Scott proved that he was the better man.

I agree it is a matter of opinion.
U can buy into Warren’s excuse all U want, Harrison is obliged to his fans to be at 100% physically.
If what U say is true, then he has defrauded the public.
I wonder what his betting fans who lost money on the first fight feel about that?
The Mexican’s opinion is…. since Medina fought twice in Britain under circumstances favoring Harrison and was the better man in the first fight, he deserves a tiebreaker rematch in Tijuana.
My buddies across the border r asking, what ever happen to fair play in Britain?

Polo. I been posting on forums with americans for some time, and i don't here them raving about him as much as you seem to think, and whenever they rank the featherweights, they accept that Harrison is near the top 5, where as Polo rarely makes their top 10. BUT WAIT!! He made Gainer run like a bitch? NO! never that! How he manage that one?

I am talking about live shows, gyms, actual reports, official results and TV fights & tapes.
I live in Southern CA. which is a hotbed of boxng. I drive to Mexico often & travel to Central America. Where ever I go I try to attend local fights.

Most Forums are just platforms to hype local fighters.
Polo is not gona get a break on a Yank forum as he is a frozen out fighter.
Do U read Spanish? They have Forums too.
I can understand the sarcasm of Gainer, but he beat Norwood & Knocked Medina cold, which is something Harrison couldn’t do. The Polo-Gainer was the fight where Gainer turned from a boxer puncher to a runner. After he tasted Polo’s Power, Gainer ran the whole fight & even his hometown fans where booing him. During the interview when he was asked why he ran & stunk out the joint, he kept repeating “Thas boxing.”

Matter of opnion if he's a step down or not, but lets not forget that Chacon beat Polo, and i think Harrison is a year on from that level. Polo is 33 also, and has certainly seen better days.

U should get the tapes of those fights; both were blatant robberies.
Polo knocked Chacon down & won clearly.
The Medina fiasco has put Harrison back into 2nd level, IMO.

But, “Polo is 33 also, and has certainly seen better days”???
Please back up that vague statement with some substance. 8)

Since when you asked? For someone so clued up on boxing as arrogantly think you are, you have missed the news on this one. It's common knowledge that the WBO ordered the Medina-Harrison 2 winner to fight Abelyan within 90 days after winning the title. He's the WBO's #1 contender, and his defeat to Polo was nearly 4 years ago, when he was still young. Since then he has had 13 straight wins.

Here we go again, why is it arrogance to voice an opposing opinion?
One could say that about your excuses on a Harrison-Medina rematch or subjective dismissal of Polo a step down & not famous. Polo has been on Major networks in three Title fights.
Those statements on Victor gave me the impression U haven’t followed him much.
I haven’t missed any WBO news; I just don’t buy into Warren’s propaganda.
When was the last time Calzaghe fought a mandatory?
It's also common knowledge that the WBO is a European consortium run by Warren & Universum. 8)

Abelyan is ranked #1 & Polo #2 How come?
Even though Polo was on the short end of a controversial decision with Chacon he was pushed aside for Harrison’s shot. Your reasoning for him being push aside for Abelyan’s shot is weak. Since when does subjective reasoning about a fighter override an official decision?
Frank’s manipulating is transparent, (Didn’t U get bennies joke?)
he gets his lackey’s to declare Abelyan a mandatory knowing it’ll be two more years till he has to worry about facing Polo who will be longer in the tooth.
Have U checked the records of the guys Abelyan beat to qualify for the mandatory?

I think Harrison is well positioned to get a big fight. Barrera has always respected the WBO, and although is not a reigning champ he carries his WBO belt to the ring for every fight. I think a Harrison fight is unlikely, but if Barrera doesn't want to jump straight back in with Pacquaio, it's certainly a possibility.

And according to boxingtime, negotiations for Harrison-Pacquaio have already begun!

Well, if U r into rumors,
Agence France Presse reported Tuesday that Pacquiao may face Harrison.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/FlashNewsSto ... hOID=13310
I think that’s where boxingtime got it.

I personally have trouble believing such rumors because the past has demonstrated that Frank’s too cheap to get any of the real top fighters to go to the UK & doesn’t have enough confidence his fighters to send them overseas.