By Danny Duffy: For British fight fans and boxing critics around the world, the WBA world title clash between holder David Haye and challenger Audley Harrison is rather intriguing. Few are arguing that Harrison deserves a title shot, or that Haye is not cherry picking an easy victory rather than taking on one of the Klitschkos; but when one considers the history and characters involved it is undeniably an entertaining match-up.

David Haye, not unlike his diminished clone Floyd Mayweather Jr., is a trash talking, antagonistic hype machine; but he possesses enough skill, speed and power to make any fight he is involved in exciting – from the dramatic press conferences all the way until the last punch (or bell, as has rarely been the case). At cruiserweight, Haye was a potent force, stopping all sorts on his journey to become the undisputed champion. He has boasted non-stop that he will repeat that feat at heavyweight after disposing of the Klitschko brothers, who have, in recent years, dominated the heavyweight scene by utilising the cognitive and physical advantages they possess over all of their challengers. The very notion of a Haye- Klitschko bout in the near future has proved to be the platform from which Haye has built his heavyweight campaign; without the hype, he would probably never have landed a shot at Valuev. However, Haye has pulled out of three clashes with the Klitschko brothers, and it is looking increasingly unlikely that he will ever fight one of them. This is leading fans to believe he never actually had any intention of fighting them in the first place. If he retires without having fought either of them, his reputation will forever be tarnished.

Audley Harrison, 39, was the prospect that never became the contender… yet may just become the champion. After winning gold at the Sydney Olympics, Harrison hand picked his first ten opponents and never seemed to progress stylistically. He did not have the heart or the stamina for the professional game, but, when he dared use it, his left hand proved deadly. Michael Sprott found out just how deadly in the final round of their European title fight; the fight that gained (not earned!) Harrison his forthcoming shot at Haye’s portion of the heavyweight crown. Harrison has four losses on his record, including one to Belfast taxi driver Martin Rogan, and has never shared the professional ring with a world class fighter. But if he can find Haye’s elusive yet questionable chin this December, he may very well be the next WBA heavyweight champion.

There would be a certain irony in a Harrison victory. Haye’s reluctance to fight one of the Klitschko brothers may come back to haunt him. A loss in a relatively low paid fight with Harrison would cost him the pay check he may have bagged against one of the Ukrainians; and the fallout would be all the more severe. It is not shameful to be beaten by a Klitschko, but a loss from the third best fighter in London would make nonsense of Haye’s claim to be the best in the world.

Perhaps it is for this reason that I have swayed from my better instinct to make my outlandish fight prediction: I believe that Harrison will land a left hand on Haye’s chin at some point and knock him out. It would be a great upset, but a good day for boxing. It would send a message to all fighters that choose the ‘soft’ option instead of taking on the big boys of their division. The likes of Floyd Mayweather Jr. for example.

So maybe – just maybe – ‘Ordinary’ Audley’s pipe dream will be realised and he will become the next WBA heavyweight title holder come December 2010.

Watch this space…