Woods says 'welcome on board' Audley

CLINTON WOODS today welcomed Audley Harrison - a surprise visitor to Sheffield's boxing scene - saying: "I always said he could be a World champion - and he may yet be."

By The Newsroom

Published 19th Sep 2007, 07:51 BST

Updated 19th Sep 2007, 10:47 BST

Ridgeway-based Woods, who defends his own IBF light- heavyweight badge at Sheffield Arena on Saturday week, recognises Harrison is a man fight fans love to hate.

But he has no time for those who labelled Harrison "Fraudley" after losing to Michael Sprott, Danny Williams and Dominick Gunn.

And he recognises in a division short of outstanding talent, the American-based Londoner could still make an impact.

"The heavyweight scene is wide open to someone like Harrison, he is a massive bloke (6ft 5in) and could still surprise people.

"I don't know what he is like as a person, but he could still win a World title if he works hard enough."

Harrison, who has been signed up by Sheffield promoter Dennis Hobson, will fight local heavyweight Paul King, at the Arena, on Woods' undercard on September 29.