Harrison to fight Russian on May 8

Audley Harrison has confirmed Russian Nicolay Popov as the opponent for his May 8 fight in Bristol.

Harrison will face the unbeaten 25-year-old in his first fight since claiming the WBF heavyweight title from Richel Hersisia in March.

The Sydney Olympics super-heavyweight champion insists he is finding it harder to secure big-name opponents after taking his record to 15-0.

Harrison’s US matchmaker Johnny Bos said: “I have had more fighters turn me down and more managers trying to stick me up with this fight than ever before in Audley’s career.

“As his stature rises he becomes more dangerous which has led to several people turning down the opportunity.”

The choice of Popov reflects Bos’ problems. Popov has won all 12 of his professional contests with six stoppages but only in his last two fights has he faced any sort of significant tests.

He floored Hornchurch heavyweight John McDermott with a big left hook last year and picked up a second-round victory when McDermott sprained his right ankle as he went down and could not continue.

And he subsequently earned an eight-round points verdict over 29-year-old American Corey Sanders – not to be confused with the world-class South African who lost to Vitali Klitschko on Saturday night.