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By the fourth, Harrison seemed satisfied that Hersisia had nothing to trouble him, and let fly with some significant shots in combinations. The champion was downed with a barrage that closed with a vicious right uppercut, and he stayed on the canvas for the full count. Despite a 21-0 (16) record, Hersisia was something of a paper champion, and he'll slip comfortably back into European small-hall oblivion.
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The comments of the watching Lennox Lewis were prolifically reported as lending weight to the suggestion that Harrison could amount to something. Lennox's role in guiding Harrison's career was not as widely mentioned, although Harrison does appear to have at least some of the goods to make an impact on the underpopulated world heavyweight scene.
In the chief support bout, Nicky Cook's name was added to the bubbling British featherweight mix as he annexed the European title from Frenchman Cyril Thomas. Cook is also the holder of the Commonwealth belt. With both fighters having similar records, the crowd was expecting a well-matched boxing display, but Cook took it to the champion with a display of hard body punching. Although there seemed to be more than one occasion where Cook strayed low, he was allowed to continue in this vein, dominating after an even start to drop Thomas twice in the seventh and once in the ninth, when the bout was called off.
Also on the card was cruiser David Haye, who saw off former Carl Thompson victim Hastings Rasani with the referee halting the action in the first. 'The Cat' knocked out the Zimbabwean in the same round. Haye came out swinging, not at all how he should be looking to box, but Rasani was outstanding in his ineptitude. All save one of Rasani's career victories have come over fighters holding no wins. The exception was a disqualification victory, Rasani's last positive result, coming ten fights before this one. Haye is a viable prospect, and should be looking to test himself against better opposition than this.
Not a tremendous amount of British action to look forward to this weekend. Alex Arthur hauls himself onto the comeback trail in Edinburgh against Michael Kizza, a Ugandan in his first match outside Africa. Kizza has a decent enough record of 17-3 to satisfy the punters, but having shown himself to be chinny and with a four inch height disadvantage, he should be dispatched with relative ease by the slick Scot, who was so comprehensively out-muscled by Michael Gomez last time out. Bobby Vanzie supports.
Over on the continent Sven Ottke continues his slow march towards retirement in Magdeburg against Swede Armand Kranjc. Following a history of home-town decisions culminating in the shambolic officiating of Ottke’s last match against Robin Reid, Kranjc has acknowledged he needs a knockout to win. There's a chance, but three wins out of four at super middleweight, with none of the wins coming against opponents with winning records, hardly augurs a great conqueror. Ottke should hold, frustrate, and pop in the odd jab to score another points win in front of a baying crowd who deserve better.
In Rome, recent Wayne Braithwaite victim Vincenzo Cantatore takes on late sub Ismail Abdoul for the vacant European cruiser crown. Cantatore can crack, and is the naturally bigger man. Belgian Abdoul, victim of a controversial decision last time he fought in Italy in February, will probably have no judging complaints in this one as Cantatore settles back into dominating European level fighters with a stoppage win.
Looks like the only thing holding up the announcement of a date for Joe Calzaghe's challenge for Glencoffe Johnson's IBF 175-pound title is Showtime finding a suitable slot.
Fighting Nordin has been replaced by Nigerian Jerry Elliott as Brian Magee's opponent on April 17th. This is a step down in class for Magee, who should dispatch Elliott with relative comfort. The Belfast crowd will still be treated to the Williams - Martinez rematch, which should be a cracker.
Female prospect Jane Burston's career has been put on hold following a nasty elbow injury.
Herbie Hide will definitely continue campaigning despite his disappointing cuts loss last week.
Wayne Alexander versus Takaloo is hotting up as the grudge match to watch at light-middle.
Past British Updates
Feb. 3 | Feb. 10 | Feb. 18 | Feb. 24 | March. 3 | March. 10 | March. 18
