Out on bail, Scott vows to change his ways

Scott Harrison is the first to admit that his wayward life has brought 'shame' on his family.

He calls it 'too much partying', but it was only while he was sitting for five weeks in a Spanish jail that he realised he had to do something about it.

The Scot, 29, faces a crucial three months in his turbulent life, starting at London's ExCel Arena on Saturday when he makes a 12th defence of his World Boxing Organisation super-featherweight crown against unbeaten Englishman Nicky Cook.

Harrison was given permission to take the fight only after being granted unconditional bail in Spain.

But he will have to return to the Costa del Sol to face assault charges and he is due in court in Glasgow in February to face two other cases, involving a number of charges, including assault.

While Harrison knows he may lose his freedom along with his career, he is anxious to be allowed to create his legacy after claiming to have seen the light.

"I feel in excellent shape, mentally and physically," he said. "I feel cleaner and sharper in my brain. There will be no more partying. I got caught up in partying a bit too much.

"Prison has given me more discipline. If I get in any more trouble, I'll go straight to jail for a few years. I'm not going to let that happen."

Harrison has already had two spells in The Priory to combat problems with depression and alcohol but in the Alhaurin de la Torre prison, near Malaga, he underwent what he describes as a life-changing experience.

"Some nights and some afternoons I'd be sitting there thinking; If I don't get bailed how am I going to make any money for the rest of my life? What am I going to do?"

He intends to defend his title for his wife, Jackie, and two young children, Scott junior and Maria, 'so I don't bring shame on them any more'.