WBO featherweight champion hopes to be released in time for title defense

WBO featherweight champion Scott Harrison is confident his Dec. 9 defense will go ahead even though he is in a Spanish jail accused of assaulting police and stealing a car.

Photo: WBO featherweight champion hopes to be released in time for title defense

Harrison, who has a history of depression and alcohol problems, was arrested in Malaga and has been held in jail since Oct. 6. Manager Barry Hughes says he is hopeful of a release in the next few days so he can prepare for the fight against Nicky Cook at London's ExCel Arena.

"We are very hopeful of movement in the near future," Murray said Tuesday. "There is no release date but they don't have the same system as we do here. As soon as the papers are stamped, he will be released immediately, reports AP.

"We are very, very positive that we will see Scott by the weekend."

Harrison, who is 25-2-2, withdrew from a title defense in May against Australia's Gairy St. Claire after he was arrested because of incidents in Glasgow pubs and nightclubs. In September, police charged Harrison with six offenses, including assault and fraud.