Heavyweight rivals Audley Harrison and Danny Williams are the star names in the latest Prizefighter tournament at York Hall

By LEN WHALEY

Heavyweight rivals Audley Harrison and Danny Williams are the star names in the latest Prizefighter tournament, which takes place at York Hall on October 2.

Both fighters will put their careers on the line at the Matchroom Sports competition, which promoter Barry Hearn boasts will parade the most exciting crop of British heavyweights ever assembled under one roof.

Former British, Commonwealth and European champions will all be going for glory at the Bethnal Green venue, while Repton's former Olympic gold medallist Harrison, now aged 37, will be looking to resurrect his career yet one more time.

"I'm looking forward to competing in the next installment of Prizefighter," said Harrison, who was last seen dropping a points verdict to former Prizefighter winner Martin Rogan at the ExCeL Arena in Docklands last December.

"I've been waiting for a solid opportunity to return to the ring and I intend to show my career is far from over.

"I have history with most of the fighters competing and I couldn't have written a better script for my return. When I retire, I will tell my story why my career faltered, but I truly have found my passion again for boxing."

Peacock Gym-trained Williams is also delighted by Harrison's participation as he seeks to gain revenge for a previous defeat at the hands of the former Repton ace.

"When I was first asked to be part of this year's Prizefighter, as British Heavyweight Champion, I wasn't sure.

"But when I heard that a certain celebrity boxer would be involved I knew I had to be part of it," said Williams, in an obvious swipe at Harrison.

The pair will have competition in former British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Michael Sprott, while former British champions Scott Gammer and Michael Holden are also hoping to rejuvenate their careers.

Undefeated Coleman Barrett, 26, will be looking to give his career a boost at the expense of his more illustrious rivals, while Danny Hughes, another unbeaten prospect, is looking to do the same.

Making up the eight for the York Hall is Scott Belshaw, who will be looking to emulate the feat of fellow Ulsterman Rogan who won the inaugural Prizefighter title.