Tony Harrison vs Bryant Perrella predictions, preview, who wins the fight?

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Tony Harrison will face Bryant Perrella in a PBC on FOX main event from Los Angeles, as Harrison returns for his first fight since late 2019, and Perrella for his first since early 2020. It’s kind of must-win for both guys if they want to be a player in the crowded 154 lb division right now.

So who wins?

Scott Christ (22-6-1)

On pure boxing ability, Tony Harrison can hold his own with anyone at 154. That’s a fact. It’s been a fact for years. But he has also always carried a vulnerability, ever since we saw him get stopped in the ninth round against Willie Nelson in 2015. Harrison fatigued and got stopped. It happened again in 2017 against Jarrett Hurd. He was ahead on the cards against Nelson, and the fight with Hurd was tightly scored when it ended.

Harrison’s 2018 win over Jermell Charlo should have gone to Charlo, in my opinion, but Tony got that W. He was competitive in their 2019 rematch, but Charlo closed the show that time, stopping it in the 11th. A small part of me wanted to pick the Perrella upset here, because he can punch a bit and Harrison has flaws, but I don’t see it. Perrella’s never gotten over the hump, he’s coming up from 147 and his power has never looked great against his better opponents; solid, but not hugely dangerous. I don’t think he has the style to wear Harrison out. But it’s a good matchup for both. Harrison UD-12

Wil Esco (23-5-1)

I still very much like Tony Harrison as a fighter and a person. He just seems to be a pretty humble guy who likes to fight, and the way he was able to wind up Jermell Charlo only endeared himself to me more. I have no doubt that Harrison wants to come back strong after losing the rematch to Charlo and having his father pass away, and I think he’ll do exactly that against Perrella who isn’t the really an elite level talent and someone I think Harrison should be able to beat if he wants another crack at a world title. Perrella is coming off a knockout loss himself, but I think Harrisson is just better suited to rebound in this fight. Harrison UD-12

How to Watch Harrison vs Perrella

Date: Saturday, April 17 | Start Time: 8:00 pm ET
Location: Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall - Los Angeles, CA
TV: FOX
Online Coverage: BadLeftHook.com

Patrick L. Stumberg (21-7-1)

I really do try to avoid reductive statements like “X is better than Y everywhere,” but that’s kind of the case here. Harrison looks to be the superior technician both at a distance and in close, with the added bonus of faster and heavier hands. The only real concern is his infamous chin, but considering that Perrella’s moving up in weight and struggled to bring his power to bear once his level of competition improved, that puncher’s chance doesn’t seem terribly reliable.

Perrella isn’t a terrible fighter by any stretch of the imagination; he simply hit a lower ceiling than expected. Barring an out-of-nowhere Sunday punch, Harrison handily outclasses him. Harrison UD-12

Lewis Watson (23-5-1)

I guess this one depends on how rusty and out of sorts Harrison might be after a layoff following splitting wins with Charlo. Harrison had a horrible 2020 outside of the ring, and I hope he can find the fire and desire to return in a cracking and competitive 154 division. Perrella is jumping up from 147 after outgrowing the weight and will fancy his chances in testing the chin of an, at times, vulnerable Harrison. He’s going to have to land early to get the respect of Harrison, but in reality, a comfy decision win looks likely even if there are some hairy moments along the way. Harrison UD-12

And the staff winner is...

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

Tony Harrison (4-0)!