Maloney quells fears Harrison could be stripped of WBO title

FRANK MALONEY has quelled fears Scott Harrison could be stripped of his WBO featherweight crown and has denied a rift has developed between him and promoters Sports Network.

The Glaswegian had been scheduled to defend his belt against mandatory challenger Joan Guzman on live television at the Braehead Arena on February 25, but Sports Network have now lined up a heavyweight battle between Danny Williams and Matt Skelton at the London ExCel Arena instead.

The surprise move - which has fuelled speculation of a spat in the Harrison camp - means he must wait until mid-March to make the ninth defence of his title which looked to have jeopardised the 28-year-old’s status as WBO champion.

WBO rules state the Scot should make the defence against the Dominican Republic fighter by the first week in March but Maloney told PA Sport: “The fight has been moved to March and we are waiting for the date to be confirmed. This is just a normal movement and we have absolutely no problems with that.

“Everybody is in agreement for it to take place in March and permission has been granted by the WBO.”

Harrison was due to attend a press conference last week only to cancel it at the last minute.