Newz Forum: BOXING: Audley Harrison confident ahead of title bout

Audley Harrison steps up his bid to become a credible world champion when he fights Richel Hersisia on Saturday.The unbeaten boxers are contesting the lightly-regarded WBF heavyweight title, but the winner will improve his chances of challenging for other belts.

Harrison, who is back in England again after spending 2003 in the USA, is looking to land his first world title.To his credit Harrison is not attempting to promote the belt he fights for tonight as anything more useful than something glittery to hold his trunks up.But he insists his opponent - unbeaten in 21 fights, albeit against no recognisable names - is what matters more than his spurious claims to hold any meaningful title.Tonight is Harrison's 15th professional fight and his first in Britain since his controversial win over Mathew Ellis at Bethnal Green in May last year.Harrison was censured by the British Boxing Board of Control for his part in a ringside melee involving his would-be rival heavyweight Herbie Hide.Subsequently Harrison has made a mini-breakthrough across the Atlantic with three consecutive stoppage wins.Hersisia has stopped four opponents in a row and insists he will breeze past Harrison to enable him to fulfil more modest ambitions.But Hersisia's winning streak has not come without its scares and while he may be able to give Harrison occasional cause for concern, the likelihood is the Briton will wade home comfortably inside four rounds.