By James Slater: As those fans who keep an eye on Audley Harrison’s Twitter page will know, “A-Force” is still thinking of fighting again and he says he can rise again. Last seen being blown away in an awful fight with WBA heavyweight champ David Haye, the 39-year-old was urged to quit by practically everyone but his close friends.
Well, the 2000 Olympic gold medallist has been talking on Twitter about how promoter Eddie Hearn has offered him a fight with unbeaten Cuban hope Mike Perez; the recent winner of “Prizefighter:The International Heavyweights.” According to Harrison, the fight could happen later this year, perhaps in October or November. And while many fans will be unable to resist making ‘who cares?’ comments, the fight could be an interesting one.
How good is 25-year-old Perez? A southpaw like big Audley, “The Rebel” sure looked good in all three of his tournament wins back in May. Naturally aggressive, fast, powerful and well conditioned, the fighter based in Cork, Ireland throws punches from various angles and he always looks for the KO. Harrison, if he has any desire left at all, could possible test the 6’0,” approx 230-pounder with his jab and, if he gets through with it, his right hand or left hook.
As with all up-and-comers, we do not yet know how good a chin Perez has. The 16-0(12) prospect sure looks to have everything else though. Big things are expected of Perez, and many fans feel he will have a good shot at reaching the top if he’s moved the right way by his team. Would a fight with Harrison be a sensible step? Would Perez gain any plaudits even if he were to smash Harrison to defeat inside of a round or two? Also, should Perez be fighting again before October or November?
Perez-Harrison could certainly be hyped up somewhat if it did happen: with “The Battle of The Prizefighter Champions,” or “Harrison’s Last Hurrah” being used as taglines for the match-up. And, in all likelihood, the fight would attract quite a few fans here in the U.K. Harrison, 27-5(20) has retained his love-to-be-hated quality, while Perez has fans genuinely excited. Add it all up and it could be box office gold.
As to who will win if they do fight; I’d have to pick the younger, much hungrier Perez to win, possibly by savage KO. This fight, if it does happen, will finally bring about an end to the curious career of Audley “A-Force” Harrison!