By Phil D. Jay

Former European heavyweight champion Audley Harrison is on the verge of accepting a return to ring against Prizefighter – The Internationals champion Mike Perez. Harrison, 39, won the domestic version of the tournament last year and is set to take on the unbeaten Cuban in his first fight since his devastating defeat to WBA champion David Haye.

‘A-Force’ lost the fellow-Brit Haye is three punishing rounds last November at the MEN Arena in Manchester and was accused of freezing on the night, keeping a low profile ever since. He now seems ready to get back in the firing line after a torrent of abuse from the British media and boxing fans.

25 year-old Perez seems a tough assignment for the 2000 Olympic champion after the Irish-based heavyweight bulldozed his way through his three opponents at the Alexandra Palace in May to claim the inaugural Prizefighter – The Internationals crown with two KO wins in the first round to his credit.

‘The Rebel’ is now looking to further enhance his already vastly improved reputation with a win over the former world title challenger. Scepticism is certain to follow Harrison if the bout against Matchroom stablemate Perez is agreed, but a win for the US-based Brit could certainly put him back on the domestic scene and slightly ease the memory of his shot-shy performance against David Haye.

Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene for worldboxingnews.net