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Harrison given go-ahead for fight Harrison given go-ahead for fight
(about 1 hour later)
Scott Harrison has been cleared to defend his WBO featherweight title against Nicky Cook on 9 December.Scott Harrison has been cleared to defend his WBO featherweight title against Nicky Cook on 9 December.
The British Boxing Board of Control are satisfied with the results from medical tests the Scottish fighter underwent last week.The British Boxing Board of Control are satisfied with the results from medical tests the Scottish fighter underwent last week.
The 29-year-old champion returned to Glasgow last week after five weeks in a Spanish prison on assault charges.The 29-year-old champion returned to Glasgow last week after five weeks in a Spanish prison on assault charges.
Harrison had faced being stripped of his world title if he failed to defend it at London's Excel Arena next month.Harrison had faced being stripped of his world title if he failed to defend it at London's Excel Arena next month.
A statement by BBBC general secretary Simon Block said: "Following consideration of a number of medical reports received, boxer Scott Harrison has been cleared to proceed with his contest against Nicky Cook scheduled for the Excel Arena on Saturday, December 9."A statement by BBBC general secretary Simon Block said: "Following consideration of a number of medical reports received, boxer Scott Harrison has been cleared to proceed with his contest against Nicky Cook scheduled for the Excel Arena on Saturday, December 9."
Cook, a former British, European and Commonwealth champion, is delighted with the outcome. Harrison's manager Barry Hughes was delighted to receive the confirmation.
"To be honest, I've trained up until now with the mindset that the fight has always been on," he said. "Obviously we are over the moon at the decision," he said.
"That is all the barriers out the way now and Scott can just concentrate on the fight."
I've focused on nothing by Harrison since this fight was announced Nicky Cook
And Hughes believes WBO approval for the bout is now inevitable.
"We've had verbal confirmation from them," he continued.
"They will be sent the medical reports and obviously they will pass him seeing as they are perfect. From where it was four weeks ago to where we stand is remarkable."
Cook, a former British, European and Commonwealth champion, has also welcomed the outcome.
"To be honest, I've trained up until now with the mindset that the fight has always been on," said the 27-year-old.
"I've focused on nothing by Harrison since this fight was announced and now I'm just focused on winning the world title on the night.""I've focused on nothing by Harrison since this fight was announced and now I'm just focused on winning the world title on the night."
Harrison's manager, Barry Hughes, had no doubts over his fighter's fitness.
"He is getting on with things and is looking great," said Hughes prior to the announcement.
606 DEBATE: Can Harrison get his career going again? 606 DEBATE: Can Harrison get his career going again?
"The plan is to bring sparring partners up from England and over from Europe in the next few weeks for some intensive sparring."
Harrison was arrested on 6 October after several alleged offences, including an assault on a police officer.Harrison was arrested on 6 October after several alleged offences, including an assault on a police officer.
He faces another hearing in Spain on a date which is still to be set.He faces another hearing in Spain on a date which is still to be set.
Harrison's imprisonment was the latest in a series of troubled episodes for the fighter.Harrison's imprisonment was the latest in a series of troubled episodes for the fighter.
He pulled out of his last fight in Belfast in May because of depression and alcohol issues.He pulled out of his last fight in Belfast in May because of depression and alcohol issues.
And, in September, police charged him with six offences, including three of assault and one of fraud, following several incidents in South Lanarkshire earlier this summer.And, in September, police charged him with six offences, including three of assault and one of fraud, following several incidents in South Lanarkshire earlier this summer.