Boxing: HARRISON: I'LL BE GREAT SCOTT

SCOTT Harrison is confident that he will be a bigger Scottish boxing idol than Ken Buchanan.

Harrison has packed Glasgow's Braehead Arena twice since last October and next Saturday there will be another sell-out when he defends his WBO featherweight title against Mexico's Manuel Medina.

Harrison said: "It was a very different business back in the 60s and 70s, when Ken was fighting. Ken was a legend but he had to go overseas to make his money and have his big fights.

"Thankfully my best fights have been here in my home town."

Even Harrison's manager Frank Maloney is now convinced his fighter will be remembered as the greatest Scottish boxer of all time.

Maloney said: "I knew Scott was special from the very start but he is even starting to surprise me - and that doesn't happen too often."

Harrison added: "I know my best fights are yet to come and I believe the crowds will get bigger and bigger as my opponents get better and better."

Next week's opponent has a reputation for toughness and in 74 fights he has only been beaten by the very best at his weight. Medina has won and lost world titles and has traded punches with some of the sport's top names including Naseem Hamed and Johnny Tapia.

Harrison said: "Medina has a great chin and a big heart, but I know I can break him down. He has a truly remarkable record and it will be fantastic to add his name to the men I've beaten.

"The most important thing is that the fans enjoy themselves - and if I can give them a spectacular win that will be a bonus."

Harrison will paint the town red if he retains his world featherweight title against Medina.

But it's the sight of another fight legend in oils that is inspiring the 25 year old Glaswegian ahead of the biggest moment of his career.

Harrison, who dabbles in oils himself as a form of relaxation away from boxing, bought the work by local artist Tom Kilmartin for a four- figure sum after being immediately taken by the painting.

He reckons it's a mirror image of himself and plans to hang the painting in the games room of the plush new five-bedroom home he is currently having built just a stone's throw from where he grew up in Cambuslang.

The WBO champion's father and trainer, Peter revealed: "Scott has always been a great admirer of Lynch and he fell in love with the painting as soon as he saw it.

"It features Lynch working out and, according to the artist, Scott has the same steely stare as Benny, who came from the Gorbals, which is just a couple of miles from our gym in the east end.

"Lynch died penniless at the age of just 33 in tragic circumstances so I suppose the painting will serve as a constant reminder of the need to look after your money.

"It's a massive painting, something like five feet by four feet in size, and Tom has offered to do a similar one of Scott."

Harrison's new home is part of the trappings of his ring success. He also drives a top of the range BMW and has cash in the bank.

But there's no danger of the champion becoming swell headed, according to his dad, who claims: "Scott is still the same guy he was when he started out in boxing.

"He may be in the big time in terms of his career but his feet are still planted firmly on the ground and, knowing Scott, he'll never change."

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