In an interview with Fight Hype, former super welterweight champion Tony Harrison shared his insights on the choices fighters make regarding weight classes, their implications, and his own future in the boxing world.
Harrison was clear in his views of Jermell Charlo on the decision to move up two weight classes:
“I think it was very stupid. Not necessarily moving up, because it’s probably where he walks around at that weight. But to break his hand and then come back to fight one of boxing’s best? That was stupid.”
While critics abound, Harrison also seeks to understand the ‘why’ behind such decisions:
“No matter why he did it, it’s the reason why he did it, right? And that’s the first thing I tell him, like he had to have a solid reason for choosing this fight.”
The potential reward for such a move, if successful, is monumental:
“What happens if he wins? He becomes the best fighter in the past century. I mean, if he beats Canelo at 168… he becomes the best fighter in the world.”
Turning the spotlight on himself, Harrison touched on his own journey and the struggles associated with weight class decisions:
“Tony has been fighting at 152 as an amateur since he was 10 years old. I am 32 now, and I’m still fighting at 154. I can’t do it anymore… It’s all about Tony Harrison. It ain’t about them. After 20 years, Tony is going to move smartly to 160.”
Such decisions, according to Harrison, have broader implications:
“It’s making these guys look unbeatable. But it’s all about how I feel. So, I’m going to move smartly to 160.”
