Preview & Betting Tip - Audley Harrison vs. Martin Rogan
Published December 4, 2008 by Martin Bean
A fascinating clash on London’s Excel Bill see’s former Olympic Champion, Audley ‘A Force’ Harrison (23-3, 17 KO’s) take on teak tough, inaugural Prizefighter Champion, Martin Rogan of Belfast, Northern Ireland (10-0, 5 KO’s).
There are many contrasts in the bout – Harrison carries the greatest amateur pedigree of all, whilst Rogan started the game late. Harrison has immense talent for a big man, whereas Rogan’s talents are in the field of brute force. Harrison is often accused of being lazy but Rogan’s greatest assets are his hunger, determination and work rate.
It’s an interesting fight with a superb blend of style. Despite bookmakers having Harrison a clear, odds on favourite, many will feel Rogan has the perfect style to beat Harrison. On recent form, those people would be right in Harrison’s last contest against average Brazillian George Arias, his timing was off, his movement was sloppy and he was booed throughout. Rogan could well have walked right through Harrison that night.
That bout of course was meant to be Harrison vs. Rogan and I feel Rogan could rue pulling out of that one (although injury made that unavoidable). Had Rogan been fit that night, I expect he would indeed have beaten Harrison on that form. But, the 10 rounds work will have shed some rust for Harrison and with many doubters to prove wrong, he will be even more determined to make amends here; that’s crucial as I feel Harrison performs best when under intense scrutiny.
Rogan is sure to start fast and Audley has to fire back – going into his shell early would simply lead to a slow, punishing defeat. I believe Audley will also look to come out strong, firing behind a strong southpaw jab.
Rogan will take the early rounds on work rate alone and Audley’s legs may well wobble during the early going at some point. But, Harrison simply has too much class for Rogan. Harrison can be lazy but Rogan’s high tempo will mean ‘A Force’ simply has to work.
But, as we come into rounds four and five, expect Rogan’s work rate to drop as he starts to tire. Then, Rogan will be on the inside with Harrison doing less work. Now, Harrison is a big man but do remember that he is extremely good on the inside for someone of his size – as Rogan tires and ‘lays on’ the bigger man, Harrison will start to utilise his excellent left uppercut and follow this up with short, sharp bursts of three or four punches.
Come rounds 7 and 8, Rogan will not want to eat anymore of those punches so will try to stay on the outside. This won’t help his cause – Audley can then look to dominate on his jab through to the bell and win a tough battle by 3 or 4 rounds.
So, a good win for Audley that will revitalise him somewhat.....but is he world class? No, not yet. I think he could be in the future but there are some psychological/confidence issues he needs to overcome first (Perhaps he should check out the Boxing Capital Training Section?!).
BOXING CAPITAL TIP – Audley Harrison to Win on Points @ 13/8 (Skybet – Odds correct as of 4th December 2008)
There are currently 0 comments on this article.