On a Mission to Claim the IBF Welterweight Throne: Harry Scarff’s Shot at Glory
For years, Derby’s Harry Scarff has toiled on the fringes of the boxing elite, but this Friday night, the 30-year-old has the chance to catapult himself into the limelight. After a stunning upset victory over Ekow Essuman last November to capture the British and Commonwealth welterweight titles, Scarff (13-2, 3 KOs) now finds himself one win away from a world title shot.
The IBF has ordered a final eliminator between Scarff and Ukraine’s Karen Chukhadzian, with the winner earning the right to challenge IBF champion Jaron Ennis. While Scarff’s promoter, Wasserman, had secured the rights to host the fight in the UK, the contest has ultimately been shifted to Hamburg, Germany, on Friday.
“I’m just happy to get it sorted at this stage,” he told BoxingScene. “I’ve kept my head down, kept training and I’m just ready to go now.”
Scarff’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Suffering early career defeats to the likes of Anthony Fowler and Troy Williamson, the welterweight has had to grind his way to the top, honing his unorthodox but effective style.
“I like to have a look at you and then really get hold of them and drag them into deep waters where they don’t want to be,” Scarff explained. “I’m big, fit and strong at this weight. I’ve got an awkward style, I can fight both ways. It’s a hard night for anyone.”
Chukhadzian, known for his resilient performance against the exceptional Jaron Ennis, will undoubtedly pose a stern challenge. However, Scarff remains unfazed, confident that his well-rounded skillset and mental fortitude will be the difference on fight night.
“I don’t recognize anyone other than Ennis, to be honest. I’ve boxed good names in the past. I’ve got no problems with this fight at all,” Scarff asserted. “I feel like I’ll push him onto the back foot and he’ll feel my size and strength. After that, I think I’ll just take control of the bout really.”
With a world title shot at stake, this is the biggest moment of Scarff’s career. But for a fighter who has battled through adversity and emerged as a battle-tested contender, the stage is set for him to seize the opportunity and secure his place among the welterweight elite.
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