THE bookmakers' odds of 2/5 on Liam Walsh retaining his World Boxing Organisation European lightweight title at Wembley Arena this evening reflect the magnitude of Scott Harrison's quest to complete one of the most remarkable comebacks in the history of boxing.

However, the 35-year-old from Cambuslang has not been dismissed entirely by two former world champions, lightweight Jim Watt and super-featherweight Alex Arthur.

While both stopped short of predicting that Harrison – on offer at 2/1 – will put a dent in 26-year-old Walsh's perfect record, neither is prepared to overlook the possibility of the challenger confounding his critics seven and a half years after the last of his 10 world title bouts.

"Scott is asking a lot of himself after all this time and the problems he's had," said Watt. "But I think it's a good match and Scott's in with a chance.

"On the plus side, he never did rely on razor sharp reflexes and split second timing. His attributes were genetic – tremendous toughness, conditioning, aggression, strength and power.

"He was relentless in the ring when he was world champion and he will be able to get back a lot of these qualities, I would imagine.

"The step up in weight could also help Scott. It looked to me as if he had to boil himself to death to make featherweight.

"But he's going to be facing a good fighter on his way up and Walsh also has the style that Scott found awkward to deal with in his heyday. Walsh isn't a guy who will stand and trade.

"Scott was always renowned for his stamina, but that is something you build up over the years. You don't just acquire it in the gym so it depends how much of that he has managed to retain."

"It will be a tough battle but it would be tremendous for his life if Scott was to win," added Sky commentator Watt.

"I would love to see that happen as I have a high opinion of Scott. I was always a fan of his and loved watching his fights."

There are many more questions than answers; not least the speed of Harrison's reflexes, timing and stamina after such a long period of inactivity.

But Arthur, a former stablemate of Harrison, said: "While it's going to be difficult to beat a much younger, undefeated opponent who has been fairly active, Walsh's experience is nowhere near that of Scott's.

"I think it will come down to which Scott Harrison shows up at Wembley. I'm sure he'll give it his best shot and, in my heart, I want him to win.

"Do I think that's possible? Yes, I do, but it depends how much Scott wants it and how much he has left in the tank.

"His mindset, which was always amazing, will play a big part, and if he is strong mentally and tries to walk through Walsh, I think there's a real chance of him causing an upset.

"Scott is one of the most intimidating, ruthless and aggressive individuals I have ever encountered. Whether he still has that same ability to intimidate remains to be seen, but if Scott wins in dramatic style he'll have proved himself capable of anything."

Meanwhile, Harrison, who scaled 9st 8½lb – the same as his opponent – insisted yesterday: "I don't feel like I've got to make up lost time. I see this more as though I'm beginning a new chapter in my career.

"I'm not interested in lost time or what's happened or my age. What's the point of that? I've still got a world title in me – maybe two."