HARRISON HITS BACK AT ABELYAN

SkySports, UK
June 17 2004

Scott Harrison has hit back at William Abelyan as the rivalry between
the two boxers heats up ahead of their showdown on Saturday, live on
sky sports.

The Scottish fighter puts his WBO featherweight title on the line
against the Armenian after regaining the belt from Manuel Medina at
the end of last year.

The Armenian has been quick to taunt Harrison for his problems in
overcoming the veteran Mexican at the second attempt and is confident
he can take the title.

However the current champion has dismissed his opponents comments and
believes he has the experience to come out victorious at the weekend.

“I put Medina down about seven times and he could have been stopped
in the first round,” said Harrison.

“He’s going to say that anyway but that’s good. He’s going to be
ready for the fight and so it’s going to be good for the fans.”

His sentiments were echoed by his father, and trainer, Peter who
questioned Abelyan’s abilities and suggested he was a ‘spoiler’.

“The guys not a Medina and he’ll never be a Medina,” he stated. “They
can talk him up and do what they want but he’s just an awkward guy,
that’s all he is.

“I don’t see him as a fighter, I see him as a runner who’s more
interested in defence. The guy’s a spoiler.”

He added: “People just talk about Scott’s size and strength but he’s
got everything and can be ready for any tactic during the fight.”