Former WBC super-welterweight champion Tony Harrison returns against Bryant Perella at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles on April 17, vowing to fight on in the memory of his late father.
Harrison, who shocked Jermell Charlo on points in 2018 before being defeated in 11 rounds in the return one year later, lost his father during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
Detroit’s Harrison (28-3, 21 KOs), who started boxing with the late, great Emanuel Steward at the legendary Kronk Gym, hasn’t fought since the Charlo rematch in December 2019, but is now keen to make up for lost time against Florida-based southpaw Perella (17-3, 14 KOs)..
“Due to the pandemic, we’ve lost a lot of people over the last year including my father Ali Salaam and I’m dedicating this fight and the rest of my career to him,” said Harrison.
“My father was always there in my corner and I’ll continue with him right by my side spiritually. But my brother L.J. is my head trainer now and we’re working hard to prepare for a tough fighter in Perrella.
“I’m coming off the longest lay-off of my career, so I’m just excited to get back in action. The realest fighter in the game is coming back and I’m glad we’re going to be bringing this fight to everyone on free TV on Fox [in the US].
“This fight will be fireworks and I’ll be looking out for whenever it’s execution time. When I see the opportunity, I’ll knock his head off and put it on my mantle.”
Photo: Stephanie Trapp/TGB Promotions.