16.04.06 – By Troy Ondrizek: For those of you who actually anticipated a competitive match-up between Audley Harrison and Dominick Guinn last night; don’t you feel foolish now. This bout was in all essence a title eliminator. Title eliminators are fought all the time to see who earns the opportunity to compete for a world title. Just like when Owen Beck and Ray Austin squared off back in September to decide who would face the winner of Valuev and Ruiz. Ray Austin beat Beck, though Beck is undeservedly fighting Nicolay Valuev for the WBA title in June, but that is another topic we’ll cover later. Now don’t start complaining that I have my information wrong, no there wasn’t a world title shot on the line, or was there? Yes there was, but not in the same sense as Beck and Austin.
Basically the loser between Guinn and Harrison would for all intensive purposes, be eliminated from ever being a true world-class fighter, thus reasonably thinking, void of the opportunity of fighting for a world title. Now being a world title contender doesn’t mean you need to be a world-class fighter; just ask Kevin McBride, who now might get the first shot at Sergei Liakhovich’s WBO crown, or the previously mentioned Owen Beck, but once again that is another topic to be discussed later.
So there is a miniscule chance that Harrison could get a title shot down the road; seriously I hope not. However, there is no argument now on Harrison’s behalf; to possibly state he will ever become the world-class fighter he thinks he is. I posed a question just before Harrison fought Danny Williams back in December stating whether or not Audley Harrison was destined to be the next Lennox Lewis; the great 1988 super-heavyweight gold medalist who went on to become the best heavyweight of his era; or Tyrell Biggs the 1984 super-heavyweight gold medalist who went on to lose every important fight of his career. After these last two performances by Harrison, he just became this generations Tyrell Biggs.
Now back to the fight between Guinn and Harrison. This was a grueling ten round affair; for the fans. Guinn came out and fought in close quarters like he did against Toney. Harrison’s response was to paw his jab out, and take body shots from Guinn. This went on for the majority of the fight. Sometimes Harrison did put some combos together, but he never seemed to hurt the prodding Guinn. Honestly, Dominick seems more comfortable with fighters who come at him, but he did a decent job of bringing the fight to the long Harrison. I had Harrison down by 7 rounds to 2 when the tenth and final round came about. Harrison seemed to realize that he was losing the fight at this point. Audley started to put effort, yes effort, who knew; in this round. He was throwing more punches than I have ever seen from him, and he still accomplished nothing for two and a half minutes. Harrison did throw a few bombs, and he even sent a fighter to the mat, himself. Guinn just was crisper and more accurate and won easily, with scores of 98-92, and 97-93 twice.
So where does this put Dominic Guinn in regards to the heavyweight landscape. I say about, nowhere. Guinn did show that he deserves a fight with another contender, someone like Calvin Brock or Shannon Briggs, but Guinn is still a long ways from deserving, not receiving, but deserving of a title shot. As you have probably noticed, I am a little skeptical of who is receiving title shots these days and understandably so. That is why I wouldn’t be surprised if Dominick Guinn does receive a title fight if he cracks the top 15 in any alphabet rankings. He would be perfect fight for a champion, he is a name opponent, but barely, and he doesn’t pose a real threat to dethroning any of today’s champions. However, I doubt it, and Guinn would do some good for himself if he fights other “top” opposition out there. The jury is still out on Guinn, but at least it is still out; for Harrison the verdict has been delivered and it isn’t in his favor.
So that leaves us with Audley Harrison. What is in store for Harrison? Well that is a great question. A rational boxing mind would suggest that Harrison be relegated to the British circuit, fighting the likes of Julius Francis and John McDermott. At that point, if successful Audley could once again move up and fight other European fighters, and make his way to the world stage again. By that time, if it happens, he would be older than Tony Tubbs. Harrison made a fair amount of money from the BBC, and has supposedly invested it in other companies and business ventures. So at this point, it would be wise in my mind for Harrison to hang it up while he still has his wits about him, and pursue his business career. For Audley Harrison showed much promise coming out of Sydney, he had the talent and arrogance of a champion, but he lacked the muscle between the ears to become what he thought he was, a great fighter. So I say to you, Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Audley Harrison is officially a bust. Move over Tyrell Biggs, you finally have some company.