Harrison expects a scrap

Tyne tussle: Harrison and McCafferty in Newcastle

Audley Harrison believes his second professional fight against Derek McCafferty will be no pushover.

The 29-year-old Olympic super-heavyweight champion takes on the tough Scot at Newcastle's Telewest Arena on 22 September.

After his first-round knockout of American Michael Middleton first time out, he is expecting a tougher time on Tyneside.

"McCafferty is definitely a durable fighter," Harrison said.

I believe my talent will take me to the world heavyweight championship of the world in three of four year's time

Audley Harrison

"He comes to the ring with heart. He's from Scotland and they come with a fighting spirit. I'm expecting to be tested."

Harrison's arrival in the professional ranks has created huge interest after his exploits in Sydney last summer, and he now has a route to the world title mapped out.

He acknowledges that there is still a long way to go before he can even consider competing for an area title.

"Heavyweights mature later."

"I believe my talent will take me to the world heavyweight championship of the world in three of four year's time.

"It's a realistic goal for an Olympic champion who stays dedicated and has a good team around him.

But even at this stage, promoter Jess Harding knows that Harrison has a lot to lose.

One right hand from Mr McCafferty can end it all

Promoter Jess Harding

"Anything can happen in boxing as we've seen before in the past few months with Lennox Lewis and Naseem Hamed," he said.

"It's not a foregone conclusion.

"Although Derek is obviously the underdog, as I've said, anything can happen and the whole situation can be derailed.

"One right hand from Mr McCafferty can end it all.

"This is a real fight. Derek comes to the table with ambition and endeavour and true spirit.

"I've seen him fight a couple of times and every time I've seen him fight, he's been a capable boxer."

Confident Scot

McCafferty agrees with that assessment.

"He's an Olympic champion and it's a great opportunity for me to show what I've got.

"There's no doubt in my mind that I'm capable of beating him."

But Audley had the final word.

"He believes he can win. I question that, but I think it's going to be interesting - while it lasts."

Several local fighters will be included on the undercard, and there will also be a world title fight on the bill, although details have yet to be released.