By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com has received confirmation that heavyweight contender Audley Harrison (21-3, 16KOs) was involved in a car accident in Vero Beach, Florida and his scheduled bout for September 29 in Sheffield is off.
Harrison was scheduled to face Paul King (5-18-1, 1KOs), a journeyman who's claim to fame is a bodyguard stint with undefeated Ricky Hatton. The bout was listed as a co-feature to Clinton Woods' IBF light heavyweight title defense against Julio Gonzalez.
Details of the accident are still sketchy, but Harrison was said to have been driving in Vero Beach area after working out in Buddy McGirt's gym when he suddenly struck by another vehicle. Harrison is said to have injured his right arm and suffered some swelling and cuts to his body. The most serious injury is said to be his right hand, badly swollen with some possible broken bones.
Harrison has been trying to get his career back on track after suffering a knockout loss at the hands of Michael Sprott in February. Observers in McGirt's gym say that Harrison was training very hard in camp and schooling his sparring partners, including heavyweight Kevin McBride.
"I'm waiting for the results of the MRI Scan to see if I've ruptured my pectoral muscle in my chest which is currently in a sling, but hope to be back in action once I'm given the all clear to resume training," Harrison said. "I was feeling buoyant about getting in the ring next week but my hand is so swollen I've been told by the doctor I'm out for four to six weeks."
BoxingScene writer Ryan Songalia contributed to this report.
