Boxing: PREMATURE FINISH DOES HARRISON NO FAVOURS!, page 1

The cheers of 4,000 fans finally cheering on their Olympic champion in an exciting bout, turned to boo’s in a matter of seconds as referee John Keane effectively robbed them of a conclusive finish to one of the most compelling bouts in a British ring this year. Keane’s ninth round intervention was premature to the extent of insanity, Poland’s Tomasz Bonin was still firing back and still more than competitive in a bout which most felt would be just another mismatch in Audley Harrison’s much maligned professional career. Proof that Bonin was very much in the contest was the fact that many ringside observers had him in front going into the controversial ninth round (I had the bout level 77-77).

From the outset Harrison set out to make a statement. Dropped by the BBC he needed to leave on a high note or face obscurity in British sporting circles. Instead of a convincing display which could have encouraged BBC bigwigs to reconsider their decision, Harrison took far too many shots, was on occasion visibly hurt and seemed to have no plan B against a limited if game opponent. Infact after a fast start Harrison quickly ran out of ideas after his opponent didn’t fold. Crowding his work and landing few clean shots Bonin quickly grew in confidence and began to land quite freely, particularly when on the inside.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY