By Terence Dooley

Glasgow’s Scott Harrison (27-3-2, 15 KOs) has gone from knocking people out on a boxing ring’s canvas to knocking out canvas paintings after taking up art during a four-year prison sentence for assault. 

Harrison took up the hobby again while incarcerated for assaulting three men in a Spanish nightclub in 2007, a crime for which he was extradited in 2015.

The former WBO world featherweight titlist has told the Daily Record that he whiles away the hours by painting works inspired by Scottish celebrities such as Billy Connolly and religious icons, and he is set to exhibit some of his work at the city’s Southside Gallery. 

“I used to sit for hours copying pictures while my brother and cousins were all talking round about me,” he said.   “But once I started a picture, I couldn't stop until I had finished it—even if it took me until three in the morning.”

As well as his foray into art, Harrison believes he still has more to offer the boxing world and has applied to get his licence back despite his age and not having fought since 2013, a 10-round decision loss against Liam Walsh.  The hearing takes place this week, but Harrison will be otherwise occupied when it takes place.

“On the same day, I am doing a boxing lesson, pads and photos with my belts for the kids and teachers at my son's nursery school,” he revealed.

Harrison's paintings will be displayed as part of the Go Live! festival exhibition.  It takes place at Southside Gallery, Glasgow from 6pm on Friday September 28.

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