AN opponent for Audley Harrison’s latest clash will be announced in the next 24 hours. Harrison will fight for the vacant European Heavyweight Championship on April 9 at London’s Alexandra Palace. ormer Olympic Games gold medalist Harrison, who saved his career by winning Prizefighter Heavyweights 3 in October, had been scheduled to meet Poland’s Albert Sosnowski for the title. owever, Sosnowski will now face WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko in May and is set to vacate the European belt. Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn revealed two men in the frame are old adversaries Danny Williams, the current British Champion, or ex British and Commonwealth title holder Michael Sprott..
“You only have to look at Albert Sosnowski to see that being European Champion puts you straight in line for a world title shot,” said Hearn.
“We’ve had a lot of interest for potential opponents from the likes of Danny Williams, Michael Sprott and a host of international names.
“We will be announcing an opponent for Audley in the next 24 hours.”
Harrison, 38, who has won 26 of 30 professional contests, was excited at the opportunity, no matter who the opponent is.
“Whoever it will be, this is my date with destiny,” said Harrison.
“I have told Matchroom I’m not bothered who the opponent is – bring on anyone. Whoever is put in front of me on April 9th will be a door that I have to walk through to get my world title shot.”
ALL ROADS LEAD TO EUROPE
MARTIN LINDSAY will be heading towards a European featherweight title fight if he successfully defends his British crown against Jamie Arthur.
Belfast’s ‘Mr Excitement’ (15-0) faces his Welsh challenger in a tremendous 12 rounder at Leigh Indoor Sports Village on Friday night (19th March).
Lindsay is currently the number one challenger for Oleg Yefimovich’s European championship and a win over Arthur is likely to see him made the Ukrainian’s official challenger.
That would mean facing top class operator Yefimovich later this year.
Frank Maloney who promotes Friday’s enthralling battle said: “There is more than just a British title at stake for Lindsay.
“The mandatory EBU challenger’s spot is empty and Martin is the next highest ranked contender. Yefimovich is world class, but from what I see in Martin is a man who fears nobody.
“Jamie is similar and to him a fight for against Lindsay is like having a world title challenge in Las Vegas. It means the world to him.”
Lindsay, 27, the bookies favourite to defeat Arthur is also ranked sixth in the world by the IBF.
Maloney added: “He is an all action fighter, but anybody who writes off Arthur would be mad. It is a long time since I have seen a fighter so determined to win.”
Other stars on the bill include Olympic bronze medallist David Price, British flyweight champion Shinny Bayaar, ex-British bantamweight champion Gary Davies, Paul Edwards, Dave Ferguson, Karl Place, Rick Goddins and unbeaten lightweight John Watson,
Tickets for are available for £35 and £80 ringside from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com
David Price Wants A Flying Start
DAVID PRICE wants to get his boxing year off to a knockout start at Leigh Sports Village on Friday night (19th March) Liverpool’s 6ft 8in Olympic bronze medallist faces his first British professional opponent, Heywood’s Martin Grainger (3-2) in a heavyweight four rounder. Price (4-0) hasn’t boxed this year because of a hand injury, but said: “I am in good shape and want to start 2010 with a bang.
“Last year was up and down because I changed promoters, but Frank Maloney kept me busy and I also had quality sparring with guys like Tom Dallas.
“I am just itching to get in the ring and fight as often as possible and when I reach double figures start thinking of titles.”
Promoter Maloney, who steered Lennox Lewis to the undisputed world heavyweight title, might take his latest protégé to America for sparring later this year.
He added: “I was worried about David’s right hand initially, but he has been patient and got right. We really are going to see some explosive punching from him now.”
Top of the bill is Martin Lindsay (15-0), the man tipped to become Ireland’s next big star. He makes the first defence of his British featherweight title against Welshman Jamie Arthur (16-2).
Other stars on the bill include Olympic bronze medallist David Price, British flyweight champion Shinny Bayaar, ex-British bantamweight champion Gary Davies, Paul Edwards, Dave Ferguson, Karl Place, Rick Goddins and unbeaten lightweight John Watson,
Tickets for are available for £40 and £80 ringside from 0871 226 1508 or www.frankmaloney.com