UK Boxing Rivals Sprott And Harrison Continue War Of Words

ByBoxing Press

Michael Sprott has taunted Audley Harrison and insisted: “I’ll knock you out quicker than I did before.”

Sprott fights Harrison for the vacant European Heavyweight Championship on April 9 at London’s Alexandra Palace.

The pair fought three years ago with Sprott winning with a third round knockout and he thinks that loss will still be playing on Harrison’s mind.

“I think in the back of his mind he could have flashbacks of what happened before,” said Sprott. “I don’t know if he’s scared and he’s accepted the fight but you will see fireworks from round one.

“I thought I boxed well before but not as well as I could do. I’m very confident that what happened last time is going to happen again – only this time I’ll knock him out quicker. I definitely think it won’t be a different fight.

“It’s an opportunity not just for him but also for me and has come at the right time as he’s 38 but I’m only 35.

“I’m not saying Harrison is on his way down but I’m 35 and have more years left but he’s 38 and when you get to a certain age there’s nothing you can do to improve.

“Training’s been going ok. He’s confident as well but I believe I’m going to beat him so that makes for a very interesting fight.”

Former Olympic Games gold medalist Harrison had been scheduled to fight Albert Sosnowski for the title before the Pole got offered a contest with WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko.

That led to ex-British and Commonwealth title holder Sprott stepping in and Matchroom Sport Chairman Barry Hearn believes the winner could follow in Sosnowski’s footsteps.

“Every fight fan dreams to see fights like this made where both fighters have committed themselves to winning the European title,” said Hearn.

“It’s a 50-50 even-money clash and Sky Sports are delighted to be televising it live.

“Audley believes he can go on and win a world title but Michael has already KOd Audley and feels he can do it again.

“Michael has bounced back from a few defeats with a sensational first round knockout in Germany recently and both men are aware winning this is a fast track to a world title shot.

“This is about repeat or revenge but both are totally confident in their ability to win by KO. I expect the winner of this fight to be fighting for the World Heavyweight Championship by the end of the year.”

Tickets for the Harrison v Sprott clash for the vacant European Championship cost £30 and £60 and are available from www.seetickets.com or 0871 230 7148.