Scott Harrison Has License Reinstated, But Arrested Again

By Jake Donovan

Leave it to Scott Harrison to find a way to make the headlines for both good and bad news all in the same day.

The former featherweight titlist had his boxing license reinstated by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) on Wednesday, which will clear the way for a planned ring return in October.

However, Harrison’s good news is trumped by a breaking story that the troubled Scot is once again forced to appear before a judge. STV Glasgow reported that the oft-troubled boxer was charged with assaulting a woman, allegedly stemming from an incident on August 11 in Glasgow’s south side. 

Harrison (27-3-2, 15KOs) entered a non-guilty plea was released on bail with the stipulation that is he to not have any contact with the victim until the trial, which is set for next February.

Apparently, news of reclaiming his license took a bit too long to come out.

“I had my boxing license reinstated on the 11 ^th  of June, subject to me providing the Board with some paperwork before they would grant me permission to box,” Harrison said through his press agent in a statement prior to Thursday’s events. “It’s a relief to have my licence fully reinstated.  It’s been a long struggle over the year, fighting to get my licence back, but I am now looking forward to returning to my profession and getting my career back on track.”

Harrison’s name was mentioned as a possible opponent for countryman Ricky Burns. The former lightweight titlist is on the rebound following back-to-back losses, due to return to the ring on October 4 in Leeds, England. An opponent has yet to be named for Burns, who hasn’t won since a come-from-behind injury stoppage of Jose Gonzalez last May.

Meanwhile, Harrison hasn’t fought since a knockout loss to Liam Walsh last April, killing a brief two-fight win streak upon his ring return in 2012, following a 6 ½ year absence. Harrison enjoyed two separate title reigns from 2002–2005, interrupted only by a July '03 loss to Manuel Medina that was avenged less than five months later. His second reign lasted nearly three years, but only two full years of actual ring time, as battles with the law and alcohol abuse prompted him to officially vacate the title in 2006. 

Through it all, Harrison is convinced he has something to still offer the sport.

“I believe I have a few more titles left in me and I have always kept myself in good condition.  There will be news soon about my next fight, which should be in October.”

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as the Records Keeper for the Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and a member of Boxing Writers Association of America . Twitter: @JakeNDaBox