The 20 year-old, who has amassed a staggering 24-0 record in super-quick time, faces the experienced Tommy Rainone at Madison Square Garden Theater and aims to keep his perfect record intact come fight night.
“I definitely expect to get some good rounds in against Tommy Rainone. Also, he has a style I think I need to face to continue to develop in my career. All of the southpaws I fought were hard hitting come forward fighters. He’s slick and crafty so it’ll be a new look for me,” Hernandez Harrison told World Boxing News
“I want to stay undefeated and be recognized as an up-and-coming fighter that fans have to keep an eye on. At the end of 2013, a lot of different websites and boxing columnists had me as a top prospect and I want to get back to that. I am only 20 years old and I know I have I long career ahead of me.”
Despite his tender years, Harrison is already placed alongside some recognizable former champions in the world rankings, but looks set to miss out on a lucrative clash with either Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao due to the time constraints involved.
Although Harrison does not expect to get the call anytime soon, the youngster has not given up hope of one day sharing the ring with either of the legends – who are currently locked in talks to finally oppose each other.
“I would have said a definite no to me fighting Mayweather or Pacquiao before they retire if Chris Algieri hadn’t got the fight with Pacquiao this year. Since that happened I guess it may be possible for me, but I just don’t know how much longer they will be around.
On on whether he believes the Mayweather v Pacquiao fight will eventually happen, Harrison added: “Up until these past few weeks I’ve said no, but there’s been a lot of pressure on them recently to get it done. I think boxing needs it so people want to find a way to get done.
“I think if it does go ahead Mayweather wins a pretty dull decision for me, but it’ll take him about four rounds to find his rhythm due to Pacquiao’s style. After that, he’ll cruise to a win without taking too many risks as usual.
“If not Mayweather or Pacquiao though, I would fight any of the world champions when my time comes. It would be great to fight for a world title regardless of the opponent. I just want to keep busy and continue to develop so when the opportunity does present itself I will be ready. I am young so time is on my side,” he emphasized.
Having fought five times in 2014 without losing many rounds, Harrison wants to be even busier following his outing on Friday night. With the enthusiasm his youth and exuberance brings, Harrison says if he had his own way, he would up his bouts before the inevitable cutback.
“I wanted to get six fights in, but things happened out of the ring that didn’t allow that to happen. I know eventually it might have to slow down, but if I could, I’d fight a 12-rounder every month,” concluded Harrison.
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