Heavyweight thriller
by Lawrence Dutrieux
There is rumble in the jungle in the English boxing scene as the biggest all-British heavyweight fight in more than a decade comes to London on Saturday night.
And astute licensees will be quick to realise that the Rocky-style bout between Audley Harrison and Danny Williams at the ExCel Arena on ITV1 (8.55pm) is perfect timing.
Licensees, excuse the pun, could have a knock out in terms of weekend TV sport takings as the fight comes on the back of Saturday's usual action.
Williams, a former British heavyweight champion, will take on Harrison who won gold at the Sydney 2000 Olympics in the super heavyweight division.
The nation's boxing fraternity have billed this all-British fight as the biggest since Lennox Lewis beat Frank Bruno in 1993.
The victor out of the two Londoners on Saturday will win a genuine world title shot and at the time of going to press no punches were being pulled in the pre-match build up.
Williams, who at 32 is two years younger than his opponent but has more professional boxing experience under his belt, dubbed Harrison a 'celebrity boxer' who likes to see himself in the media and yet 'punches like a little girl'.
He was also quick to point out that Harrison was 'very good technically' but does not have the heart to win.
In July last year, Williams earned a spot on the world stage when he knocked out 'Iron' Mike Tyson in spectacular style in Louisville.
That win gave the Brixton boy a chance at the WBC world title, but he went down bravely after eight bruising rounds against Vitali Klitschko last December.
Harrison meanwhile has been living in Los Angeles to build up his professional career away from the spotlight in England.
At 34, Harrison - some of the brave have called him Audrey - believes he could be Britain's next heavyweight title holder within a year.
Lennox Lewis, 33, the former heavyweight champion, says Harrison will be too strong for Williams.
Lewis, who is undefeated in 19 professional fights, said that Harrison has 'more strength and more talent'.
A win over Williams will put Harrison in the top 10 of all the regulatory bodies. From there it is up to his negotiating team to set up a world title fight in the near future.
Harrison, who admits to following the Lewis' blueprint of boxing in America, says he will be able to force a retirement by the 11th round on Saturday.
So the stage is set for a decent clash of heavy-duty blows on Saturday - and one wonders if Williams will start the first seconds with 'come on Audrey, you punch like a little girl'.
l Do not miss the live coverage of the 2006 World Cup draw at 8.15pm on Friday (BBC2). England are among 32 teams that have qualified to contest the finals in Germany.
l The Sports Personality of the Year 2005 will be live on Sunday at 8.00pm on BBC1.
personaliity of the year.
