Michael Brodie At Manchester Confirmed For Scott Harrison

Michael Brodie has been confirmed as the next challenger for Scott Harrison's WBO Featherweight title and the fight will take place in Manchester on the 3rd of June as previously reported.

"It'll be a cracker of a fight," said Scott Harrison at today's press conference to confirm the fight. "Brodie's a good fighter, well schooled, and it's a great fight for British fight fans."

The decision to hold the title fight in Manchester instead of Glasgow caused some initial consternation in the Harrison camp, but the presence of American TV in Manchester for the Hatton v Tszyu fight the following day was an opportunity too good to miss. Particularly if Scott's dream of a career defining fight in the States is to go ahead. As well as being live on Sky, the Harrison v Brodie fight will also be shown in the USA on Showtime.

Scott Harrison hasn't fought outside of Scotland since 2001, but he has no concerns about going to Manchester to face Brodie in front of his home crowd. "I've no problem fighting away. I did the circuit down south, I've fought at the MEN and I'll be hoping to take 1,000 or more fans with me, maybe 1,500."

Manager Frank Maloney said it would be good for Scott to fight away because it will take some of the pressure off him. Indeed, the pressure is as much on Michael Brodie who will be fighting for a world title for the fourth time, and he knows defeat will be the end of his career at the top level.

"It's the biggest fight of my career," Brodie told today's press conference. "If I lose it's the end of me."

Neither boxer would be drawn on their tactics, but as to the outcome, Scott Harrison is in no doubt if the Manchester boxer wants to stand toe to toe. "If Michael Brodie comes for a war, it'll be suicide."

Posted by scottish-boxing at March 30, 2005 11:41 AM