By Sean Pollock: Two or three years ago, who would of thought boxing fans would be treated to the first all British world heavyweight title fight since the highly renowned, 1993 Battle of Britain between Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno? The answer, hardly anyone. The simple fact for British boxing is in the last 10 years, the domestic scene in the ‘top division’ has been of a very poor calibre. Admittedly, the whole division has been of a painfully low standard and too easily dominated by the Klitschkos’.

Since Audley Harrison won Olympic gold a decade ago the Heavyweight division in the U.K has not blossomed as it should have. No one has even touched close to the accomplishments of the great Lennox Lewis. Yet in the last 3 years, since winning the World Cruiserweight title and destroying crowd favourite Enzo Maccarinelli, David Haye has punched his way to the forefront of British boxing. He achieved a feat which alluded many decent heavyweights, by stepping up in weight and snatching the WBA title from the giant Nikolay Valuev- and hasn’t looked back. However, after stopping the tough, respected John Ruiz, ‘The Hayemaker’ has stuttered in his assault on the division and finds himself unable to secure a fight with the current elite- the Klitschko brothers.

So now the fight is set for November 13th and ‘The Hayemaker’ is about to meet A real heavyweight Force- pun intended. At 6’5, Audley Harrison is a mammoth of a man- with a crushing left hand. ‘A-Force’ has been a real enigma for boxing fans, since reaching extraordinary fights at the Sydney Olympics he never reached his full potential. Nevertheless, despite disappointing career defeats, Harrison put together a string of impressive wins in the ‘Prize-fighter’ competition and won the European title by knocking out- and avenging- Michael Sprott.

Six months ago, was the prospect of this fight occurring a frustrating and bizarre equation? Yes. Although now, with both Klitschkos’ tied up in their own bouts, this really does look like a mouth-watering affair. Almost 10 years younger, the champion is much sharper and arguably a lot better than the veteran Harrison. But this really is the last chance saloon for the Olympian who is lucky enough to find himself in a title fight and in this situation he should be able to show enough desire to mount a serious challenge.

Despite the level that Haye is presently at compared to Harrison, all things considered this has the ingredients for a thrilling encounter. Question marks over the durability of ‘The Hayemakers’ chin and the obvious knockout power of ‘A-Forces’ left hand, raise question marks to whether this fight will go anywhere near the distance. Haye, who exuberates class in the ring, has promised devastation, and boasts a remarkable 88% KO ratio- yet don’t be so naive to think he will participate in an all out war. If needs be, Haye can stand toe to toe- a very risky ploy against the strong, taller challenger.

However, I expect Haye to adopt his clever boxing skills in a similar manner to the Valuev fight. Considering Harrison’s reach advantage and solid jab which is still evident from his days as an amateur, Haye would be wise to work his way past the jab in the early rounds and get points under his belt. Harrison will probably spend his rounds popping the jab and missing a lot of wild hooks due to Hayes lateral movements and quicker cruiserweight reflexes. Although Haye took a lot of unnecessary shots in the Ruiz fight, and swift defensive improvements must be made. At any opportunity ‘A-Force’ will be pivoting his left hook at his opponents suspect chin- and this could be the deciding factor in the fight for as long it continues.

It’s normally too early to give my prediction, as events may effect the fighters as the war of words escalates and we edge closer to November 13th. Realistically, you could evaluate Harrison is older, slower and not as good as Haye; but statistics never set the result in stone. Would it be in the best interests for boxing fans if Harrison wins the belt? Possibly not. It could ruin a huge money spinning Haye Vs Klitschko showdown- but then again, if he can’t beat Harrison, he’ll defiantly struggle with Vitali or Wladimir.

Harrison always ranted it was his destiny to become champion- his fate- his path. Who would of believed that come fight night he will be 39, and facing his biggest challenge as a professional. Will be Haye be too good? Has it come too late for Britain’s Olympic hero- or is destiny to play a part?…