Andrew Wake: Cambuslang’s two-time WBO featherweight champion Scott “The Real McCoy” Harrison has linked back up with former promoter Frank Warren and is planning a return to the ring at some point in March. If the return goes ahead (and it’s a big if where Harrison is concerned), it will be the 30 year old’s first contest since he outpointed lanky Australian Nedel Hussein at a packed Braehead Arena on bonfire night in 2005.. He has spent the time since then battling with alcoholism, depression and some very public brushes with the law, one particular brush saw him languish in a Spanish jail for five weeks and had seemingly wrecked not only his December 9th 2006 defence to the then undefeated Nicky Cook but also his career.
Scott has stated that the dark days are now firmly behind him and aims to regain his title at some point during the next twelve months, the only major problem is; the events of the past couple of years didn’t only result in him not making weight and losing his WBO strap, they also cost him his licence to box.
“The last two years have been an absolute nightmare.” He told the Daily Mirror, “I’d been fighting since I was 15 and so for me not to fight was a total shock. But I’m in brilliant condition now, excellent physical condition, and the last time I had a drink was so long ago, I can’t remember.”
He has applied to the British Boxing Board Control for his licence to be reinstated but, as yet, the organisation have not made a decision. Scott, however, is confident that he will get the nod and 2008 will be a stellar year for him. He said, “I definitely think I will become a world champion again and I’ve done it twice before.
“I hope to fight in March. I can’t wait to get back in the ring and put on a good show for everyone.”
The list of possible opponents is virtually endless as, at this stage, it is unknown at what weight Harrison will be campaigning. Historically he has always been a featherweight but after struggling to make the 9st limit previously there is a good chance that the Real McCoy’s second reign of terror could be at super feather or even lightweight.