Guinn, Harrison both hope to rebound
by Shawn Sillinger
Dominick Guinn, who’s had high hopes dashed somewhat recently by three losses in his last five fights, takes on Audley Harrison, himself coming off a disappointing loss, in a scheduled 10-round heavyweight bout Friday night in Rancho Mirage, CA on ESPN 2.
Guinn (25-3-1, 18 KOs) began his professional career by winning his first 24 fights. He stepped up in class the next few times out, and although going the distance with a couple of pretty good fighters, came out on the wrong end three times.
Harrison (19-1, 14 KOs), an Olympic gold medalist in Sydney in 2000, suffered his first loss his last time out, an uninspiring split-decision to Danny Williams in December.
Harrison is listed at about a –170 favorite at most sportsbooks, while Guinn is getting about +140.
Guinn went the distance with James Toney last October and with Monte Barrett before that. Both those fighters are ranked on several Top 10 contender lists. Guinn’s other defeat was a unanimous decision 16 months ago to Serguei Lyakhovich, who now owns a share of the world title.
Harrison, the 34-year old British southpaw, will have a distinct size advantage over Guinn. Harrison stands 6-5 ½ and has fought recently at around 250 pounds, while the American Guinn, four years younger than his opponent, stands 6-3 and has been fighting recently at right around 220 pounds.
Harrison is ranked 32nd in the world, Guinn 35th, in the World Heavyweight Ratings at BoxRec.com.
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