Tony Harrison vs. Willie Nelson
Tony Calcara, Staff Writer
Interesting matchup here. Harrison (21-0, 18 KOs) is an undefeated 24 year old Detroit native who is intent on putting his hometown back on the map. “If I win this bout, Detroit is back and we get the recognition we deserve as far as being the Mecca of boxing again.”
At 28, Nelson (23-2-1, 13 KOs) is a southpaw who is both experienced and dangerous.
I like Harrison to win and continue his march towards an eventual title shot.
Prediction: Harrison
Lou Catalano, Senior Writer
The undefeated Harrison is certainly someone to keep an eye on, though his record has been padded with fighters ranging from awful to corpse-like. Willie Nelson is like, Big Bird tall, and he’s got the wingspan of a pterodactyl, but he doesn’t use it to his advantage at all.
I’m expecting his trainer Jack Loew to be censored for pretty much the entire fight as he screams USE YOUR FUCKIN JAB, WILLIE!!! repeatedly. It won’t help. Harrison by KO.
Prediction: Harrison
Brandon Glass, Staff Writer
Willie Nelson has been M.I.A since losing to Vanes Martirosyan late last year, in a fight I thought he was capable of winning. Willie’s main problem is one similar to Paul Williams: for a guy with his lanky stature and reach advantages, he refuses to fight tall. This may cost him against a guy like Tony Harrison, who can punch.
Harrison has been on a tear, already fighting twice in 2015, neither bout making it past the third round. He also has a notable stoppage win against Grady Brewer last year, an enthusiast favorite. Although, Harrison has been running through B level fighters and below, I think he’s on the upswing and Nelson may be slowing as his career has gone in the direction many projected two years ago.
I’ll take Harrison.
Prediction: Harrison
Mike Burnell, Staff Writer
Willie Nelson would like nothing more than to win an exciting battle on a big stage. PBC provides a great platform on which to build his brand, but Tony Harrison poses what I think will be an insurmountable obstacle.
He is athletic, strong and an excellent puncher. The likable Nelson will be worn down and likely suffer a late stoppage.
Prediction: Harrison
Alex Burgos, Editor-in-Chief
I really like this bout. I think Willie Nelson has enough talent and ability left to actually push Tony Harrison past the first few rounds and give us a glimpse of what the Detroit native really has to offer. Though Harrison is undefeated and has looked phenomenal as of late, it’s been against questionable competition. Is Harrison the real deal–this fight should give us some answers.
I like Nelson’s physical tools, but I just don’t think he’s disciplined enough to stick to a game plan (like using his jab/reach) and make Harrison work hard for an entire fight. I think Harrison should be able to get inside and rough up Nelson en-route to a decision victory.
Prediction: Harrison
