DISGRACED former boxer Scott Harrison has successfully regained his licence to fight in a bid to make a sensational comeback to the sport.
Harrison, who has a string of assault convictions and was released from a Spanish prison just last month, has had his licence application rubber- stamped by the British Boxing Board of Control’s Scottish area council.
The 34-year-old former world champion passed a stringent board medical to reclaim his licence, and now promoter Frank Warren – one of the sport’s most powerful figures – is offering him a return to his stable of fighters.
Mr Warren has revealed he is interested in Harrison appearing on an upcoming fight bill in his home town of Glasgow.
Mr Warren said: “Scott has served his time and paid his price. He is due a second chance just like every man who has been through what he has.
“I believe he is in superb condition and possibly even stronger than he was when he lost his title.
“So what I would say is that of course I am interested and if Scott and his camp are then they know my number and should feel free to call me.”
Harrison lost his licence and title in 2006 when weight problems forced him to pull out of a bout.
Since then, Harrison’s life has spiralled out of control with reports of alcohol problems and depression.
He spent several months in prison in Scotland for a series of offences, which included assaulting his girlfriend, an attack on a police officer and drink-driving.
In his latest custody stint, the father-of-one spent two-and-a-half years in Botafuego prison in Algeciras, Spain, for assaulting a factory worker near his holiday home in Malaga in 2009.
However, on his release, it was revealed he had been training at the prison in preparation for his long-awaited comeback.
His father, Peter Harrison, said at the time: “Obviously, we are hopeful that he will get back. He’s already been back training and is still in fantastic condition.
“Scott’s 34 now but that isn’t too old to box. You see a lot of guys fighting at 36 or 37 and he’s a very fit person.”
The boxer has continued to train at his father’s Phoenix Gym in Dalmarnock and insiders claim he would be ready to fight as early as November.
Mr Warren hopes Harrison’s return will involve a bill where he will promote fellow Glasgow boxer Willie Limond’s challenge for the British lightweight title against Anthony Crolla.
He said: “I would definitely be interested in getting Scott on that card. But first talks need to happen.
“No one should underestimate how determined Scott is to make a comeback and if he wants it badly enough I am sure it will happen.”
The fight chief sees the boxer’s future potentially in the lightweight category and believes if Harrison can reclaim his old glories, he could have him in contention for a world title battle within two fights. However, Mr Warren added that the ball is now in Harrison’s court.
Harrison shot to fame in 2002 when he won the WBO world featherweight title.
He went on to defend his title more times than any other Scottish champion. Since his professional debut in 1996, he has fought 29 times, with 14 knockouts and a total of 25 wins.
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