Quick start not enough for Abelyan
By Bob Mee
Daily Telegraph, UK
June 19 2004
Scott Harrison faces a tricky defence of his World Boxing Organisation
featherweight title against No 1 contender William Abelyan at Braehead
Arena, Glasgow, tonight.
Injuries to both fighters have delayed this fight for three months
and Harrison has also had the distraction of a criminal court case.
The Scot was cleared of an assault charge in the last fortnight.
Harrison’s taciturn, single-minded determination should enable him
to put those issues aside but he could need all his discipline and
patience to wear down a swift, tricky, hit-and-run left-hander.
In the first half of the 12-round fight the champion could have
trouble pinning down Abelyan and might have to rely on a late stoppage
win. But Harrison has no doubts. “I don’t think this is a tough fight,”
he said. “I just see him running all night.”
The Armenian is full of confidence but to win the fight he has to
outbox Harrison, whose experience should tip it his way.