Preview Analysis: Scott Harrison vs. Michael Brodie

This fight takes place the night before a huge title fight, which is a bit sad really as this long awaited domestic clash is not going to get the media’s attention as much as it should. Scott Harrison has been the WBO champion for a while now, losing it briefly to Manuel Medina. Harrison has a very loyal following in Scotland and they are very proud of their champion, unfortunately, Scott has not impressed everyone yet. After regaining his title from Medina and taking on some dubious challengers, Harrison came up against Victor Polo. Polo is a legitimate top ten contender in the division and proved to be the Scotsman’s toughest test to date. The first half of the fight was Harrison’s and everything looked to be on track until Polo took over in round seven. Harrison started to fade, not for the first time in his career, towards the end of the bout. After a torrid battle and the declaration of a drawn verdict, many people felt that Harrison was lucky to get that decision.

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Michael Brodie is one of the unluckiest boxers on the planet. He has always been just a layer of boot polish away from winning a title. After being messed about by Naseem Hamed, Brodie got a shot at the vacant WBC title, but he had to fight In Jin Chi to get it. It was one of the best fights of the year, an all out war. For twelve rounds, Chi and Brodie beat on each other, as the fight swung back and forth. After much controversy, the fight was declared a draw and it would have to be done again. In the rematch, Chi came out like a man possessed and managed to stop Brodie in round seven. We all thought it was the end for Michael and who could have blamed him. But he assured us in his interview after the fight that that was not the end of him. There is no shame in losing to In Jin Chi. He is massive at the weight, has a cast-iron chin and never stops punching. Erik Morales would testify to how hard Chi is. How much those wars took out of Brodie remains to be seen, the only thing that is certain is, this is his last title shot.

My Prediction.

I’m going for Michael Brodie. This is his last chance at a world title and he is very confident of victory. What doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger and Brodie has been through nineteen rounds with In Jin Chi. Personally, I don’t think Harrison is capable of putting the onslaught on Brodie that Chi did. I think the game plan for Brodie will be to get Harrison into the later rounds and win it on points; and I think that is what will happen. For Harrison to win, he will have to take Brodie out before round seven because I think he will fade after then. This is going to be a cracker of a fight, so make sure you see it.

The Aftermath.

If Harrison wins…..

After this, Scott really needs to push for a big fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, Chi, Chris John or Rocky Juarez. Brodie and Polo bridge the gap in class between Harrison and Marquez and company, and it is time to get Scott that fight. He will have his work cut out for him though. Harrison vs. Polo was a very close fight and Scott was really pushed to his limit. Marquez vs. Polo was the complete opposite. Juan easily coasted to a twelve round unanimous decision. I think Harrison would have his work cut out against Marquez. He should go for Chi or Juarez.

If Brodie wins…..

I think there would be an immediate rematch. Brodie has been in some wars and is definitely coming to the end of his career, so after beating Harrison, he will be looking for a couple of big paydays to retire on. In my opinion, he deserves it.

Ben Lynch can be reached at benjlynch@hotmail.com