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Former junior middleweight titlist Tony Harrison is set to return Saturday night on FOX, facing Bryant Perrella in a fight both must win if they want to stay players in a crowded and competitive division.
The 30-year-old Harrison (28-3, 21 KO) hasn’t fought since his Dec. 2019 loss to Jermell Charlo, but the 32-year-old Perrella (17-3, 14 KO) has also been out of action since a Feb. 2020 loss to Abel Ramos, so Harrison isn’t worried about rust being a big factor.
“I’m not really concerned about ring rust, but it may take a couple rounds to get acclimated and get into it,” said Harrison. “It’s a fight, this isn’t cheerleading. You just have to be able to adapt to the environment in the ring. He’s coming off a long layoff too, though. I think I actually have the edge heading into this fight.”
Perrella is now training under Roy Jones Jr, and is confident he’s learned enough and made enough tweaks to pull what would be a solid upset this weekend. Harrison is favored for a reason, but not at all taking Perrella lightly.
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
“I don’t really know that much about Perrella, just that he’s a southpaw,” said Harrison. “I know that he’s gotten some knockouts. But it’s mostly about how I’m going to move and step on fight night when I’m going up against a lefty. Like anyone on this level, I expect Perrella to come in there and do his best to compete with me. He’s no tune-up fight. I’m treating this fight like I’m 0–0 and this fight is for everything.
“I’m always looking to make a statement, but I’m not rushing into it and making mistakes that’ll cost me,” he added. “I definitely want to win by knockout, but you’re never going to make everybody happy. I’m just looking to go in there and do what I know how to do. Winning is the biggest thing to me. I just need to walk away with the win.”