Harrison's road in Muay Thai started at the age of thirteen, not quite as young as fighters from Thailand, but far earlier than most Americans. Despite playing football two days a week, Harrison wanted something to keep him out of trouble and Muay Thai did just that. Harrison didn't begin his training with dreams of grandeur; he didn't even make the decision to make it his profession until he was around eighteen years of age.
He says, "When I was about 18 or 19 I started fighting at a decent level and teaching at the gym and just thought I would dedicate myself to the sport to see how well I could do."
Like with anything else, you have to pay your dues. Harrison worked some part-time jobs as needed until he was able to break into Muay Thai and leave his mark. Harrison had already established himself as a force in Europe, but his odyssey into making his name in Thailand started off with a snag. In 2005 Harrison lost his debut in Thailand at Rajadamnern Stadium against Witthayanoi Sitkuanem. He then suffered another loss a few months later to Thai fighter Duwao Kongudom. Despite the minor set back, Harrison returned to Thailand in December of 2005 to take on Dzhabar Askerov and collected his first win in Thailand which was followed by string of victories. With the win, Harrison put everyone on notice in Thailand that despite being a farang, he was forced to be reckoned with.
Harrison doesn't shy away from challenges, as is clearly visible on his fight resume, having fought such names as Saenchai, Duwao Kongudom, Anuwat Kaewsamrit, Numphon PK Sterio, and Saggetdao Phetpayathai. Harrison comes to entertain and American fans will get to see him do just that. Harrison looks to finish and it would be unlikely for the American crowd to not embrace his style.
"I think my style will go down well in the U.S." Harrison said. I'm versatile and fight with power and am always looking for a KO finish so hopefully the fans will take to my style."
Coming into his fight with Greskiewicz, Harrison is the heavy favorite, but it is a fight and anything can happen. Despite Greskiewicz not having the name recognition of Saenchai, it doesn't affect Harrison when it comes to getting motivated for the fight. Harrison wants to be known as the best pound for pound non-Thai fighter and his reputation is on the line every fight no matter who he is facing.
"I've never lost to a non Thai fighter before and won't be starting on July 23rd." Harrison said.
At the end of the day for Harrison it is about his legacy. He already has a WMC title on his resume as well as a variety of others. Adding the green WBC Muay Thai belt to his collection would be nice, but he doesn't worry about belts too much.
"To be honest, the only titles I'm interested in now are the WBC green straps. I've won the WMC before and I've got quite a few others." Harrison said. "They look nice on your mantle piece, but when it's all done and I'm retired people won't remember the titles I've won, they will remember who I fought, how exciting it was, how I won, etc."
Harrison's goals are simple: fight the best. His life revolves around Muay Thai and at only twenty five years of age the sky seems to be the limit. Muay Thai is his passion and has propelled his life. When asked what he would be doing if it weren't for Muay Thai, Harrison stated,
"God knows probably stuck in a dead end job to be honest, Muay Thai is my life and I'm very thankful for the opportunities it has given me."
Anyone in the states who isn't familiar with Harrison will probably be after July 23rd. Win or lose, Harrison leaves everything in the ring for a sport that has given so much to him.
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