Scott Harrison's career in pictures

He restored much of the national pride that had been lost with his defeat to the same fighter earlier in 2003.

Not only did the 26-year-old prove wrong those who doubted his credentials, but most of all, he ended his own torment.

Harrison had insisted that his July loss to Medina was hampered by illness, but it was not until he took the Mexican apart in the rematch that he was truly vindicated.

In so doing, he revived hopes that he can be a worthy successor to Scottish greats Jim Watt and Ken Buchanan.

Early career victories over former world champions Tracey Harris Patterson and Tom "Boom Boom" Johnson had launched a young Harrison into the public eye.

HARRISON FACT FILE Born: 19/8/1977 Turned pro: 1996 Divison: Featherweight Record: 19-2-1 Alias: The Real McCoy Height: 5ft 7ins Trainer: Peter Harrison Promoter: Frank Warren

And subsequent wins over Argentine Julio Pablo Chacon and Northern Ireland's Wayne McCullough had members of the boxing fraternity queueing up to lavish praise.

Harrison was variously described as "the best Scottish boxer for generations" and "the best British boxer in a long time".

But the world came crashing down around him in the summer of 2003 when he was unexpectedly defeated on a split decision by Medina.

While the Mexican's quality was never in doubt, Harrison's potential was such that his defeat came as a surprise to many in the boxing world.

He had looked a shadow of his usual self.

And his admission that he had been sick before entering the ring smacked less of sour grapes than of genuine anger that he had been unable to live up to expectations.

KEY FIGHTS 19/10/2002: Beats Julio Pablo Chacon to win WBO featherweight title in Glasgow 29/11/2003: Beats Manuel Medina to regain the title he lost to the Mexican in July

It was testament to his determination to right that wrong that he so comprehensively beat Medina fewer than six months later.

According to Harrison's father and trainer, Peter, his priority for2004 is to hold on to his own belt, starting with an obligatory defence against US-based Armenian William Abelyan in March.

Beyond that, there is the possibility of a unification fight against WBA and IBF title holder Juan Manuel Marquez.

The two legends of the division, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera, are not on Harrison's immediate agenda, with Morales having moved up to super featherweight and Barrera having recently lost to Manny Pacquiao.