Sheffield boxer facing harsh financial reality
"It is an investment and if I eventually make good money from it then brilliant”
Sheffield's Mikey Harrison is having to shell out a small fortune just to make sure he fights this weekend - but the unbeaten light heavyweight hopes it will prove money well spent.
The harsh financial reality facing young professional boxers means Harrison must personally cover the fee demanded by his opponent before he can even think about earning anything himself.
That leaves the Ridgeway fighter relying on ticket sales to claw back costs ahead of the Dennis Hobson-promoted bout against London journeyman Robbie Chapman in Hull.
It is a daunting task, particularly with the show being staged around 70 miles from Sheffield, but Harrison accepts it is all part of building a professional career.
"I am classed as the home fighter, even though the event is in Hull," said Harrison.
"That means I have to sell tickets to cover what the away fighter wants. I have to pay Robbie's expenses too - his travel from Camden, food and two nights in a hotel."
Thankfully for Harrison, who boxed only last month at Skate Central in Sheffield, he has built up a loyal following willing to travel and support him.
"I've done everything I can with ticket sales so soon after my last fight and tried to create enough revenue so there might be a little bit left for me as well," he said.
"I know it is asking a lot for people to pay out again, so I have hired a coach myself to take 60 supporters over to Hull. There will also be another 20 or 30 making their own way there."
Despite the financial pressures, Harrison insists he is not chasing quick money from boxing and instead sees the early stages of his career as a long-term investment.
"It is tough starting from the bottom, but I am doing this to see where I am seven or 10 fights down the line," he said.
"It is an investment and if I eventually make good money from it then brilliant."
The 6ft 2ins fighter, who carries an unbeaten 6-0 record, says he has enjoyed a productive training camp, sparring with the likes of Liam Cameron, Naphtali Nembhard, Chris Mulunda and brothers Burhan and Redwan Nishat.
Harrison prefers to box at range and use his height advantage, but says the coaching staff at the Titans gym in Herdings have worked hard to make him adaptable in every situation.
He will be joined on the Hull bill by cousin Alfie Thomas, from Gleadless, who is set to make his professional debut.
South Anston's Dylan Trevor will also be aiming to extend his unbeaten start by claiming a sixth consecutive victory.
Harrison is also hoping gym-mate Mason Dickinson can soon return to action after ongoing hand problems.
"He damaged his hand before fighting in Texas in October 2024 and then made it worse," Harrison said. "He's been going through it a bit."