Enzo Maccarinelli to step in for the imprisoned Harrison

WBO World Featherweight Champion Scott Harrison will be unable to defend his title against Nicky Cook on December 9 after failing to secure his release from a Spanish prison, promoter Frank Warren has confirmed today.

However fight fans shouldn't be too disappointed, as Harrison will be replaced on the huge ExCel Centre card by one of the world's hardest punchers, WBO World Cruiserweight Champion Enzo Maccarinelli, who will defend his 14'4 crown.

The Welsh wizard, who blasted out big domestic foe Mark Hobson in a round to cement his position as WBO champion last month, will have his first title fight in London and is vowing to put on an explosive display in the capital.

And Cook will also be in a title fight on the card as he aims to cement his position as Britain's next big thing at featherweight.

"The situation with Scott is obviously very disappointing," said Warren. "For the last month or so we've been advised that he would secure bail and be in a position to defend his title.

"It now looks as if that won't be the case, so it's with great regret that the fight has been called off.

"As for Harrison's position regarding his title, his future is now in the hands of the WBO.

"From a non boxing point of view, Scott obviously has a lot of problems that he needs to address, and I just hope that he can sort himself out."

But, with the addition of Maccarinelli to the card and the news that Cook would still be involved in a title fight, Warren was upbeat about the show, which is expected to sell out.

It will also feature Matt Skelton's Commonwealth heavyweight title defence against Audley Harrison, Amir Khan's first eight round contest, British title fights between Tony Oakey and Peter Oboh and Andy Morris and John Simpson, as well as Kevin Mitchell, Ross Minter and Matthew Marsh.

"Enzo is one of the most exciting fighters in the the world at the moment, and this is a great chance for him to fight in front of a prime-time audience and a capacity crowd," added Warren.

"He caused quite a stir when he went to the States recently, and over the next 18 months I believe he will emerge as a global star. He has all the tools to dominate the cruiserweight division.

"Nicky needs to pick himself up after what's happened with Harrison, but I'm confident he will do just that and keep himself in the frame for a crack at the WBO title if it becomes vacant.
"Even with Harrison's pull out, this is still the biggest show of the year and a fantastic way to finish off 2006."

Maccarinelli added: "It's very sad with everything that has happened with Scott, but when Frank asked me to step in I jumped at the chance.

"The Hobson fight didn't take too much out of me so I'm raring to go at the moment - I just can't wait to show everyone in London what I can do."

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Personally, I'm glad that Enzo Mac is keeping himself busy, it was a bit of a letdown to knock out Hobby so quickly last month, and hopefully Frank can secure him some good opposition for the event. Skelton v Harrison is not a headline bout, even though it will likely see Skelton confirm himself as the #1 British heavyweight.
Good to see that Cookie is still going to be involved, and get some sort of a title fight. I'd rather watch Maccarinelli than Harrison anyway, being a completely non-partisan Welshman. ;)