Portman to 'make a man' of Al Harbi

West Bromwich's Marcus Portman today vowed to "make a man" out of Nasser Al Harbi when they clash at the top of the bill in Birmingham next month.

Portman will take on the hometown fighter at the New Bingley Hill on Friday May 11, after stepping in to replace West Bromwich's Young Mutley.

Mutley - real name Lee Woodley - pulled out through work commitments and Portman's presence means Al Harbi must switch to face a southpaw.

It's Portman's first fight for 12 months and only his fourth in three years, with his comeback originally set for Walsall Town Hall on Saturday May 12.

But the former WBU world champion has challenged for the British and Commonwealth light middleweight titles and takes in his 31st pro bout.

The 31-year-old has a better pedigree than any of the 14 opponents the undefeated Al Harbi has been in with and he plans to make that count.

With that in mind, Portman is looking to take his 22-year-old rival 'to school' when they step through the ropes.

He said: "I don't see Nasser as a contender, he's more than beatable, so I was happy to take him instead.

"I see it as getting back into the mix again and to take his undefeated record would be a good win for me.

"I am not going to back off and try to box him at range as he's a bit younger, faster and cuter on the outside.

"I have got to, basically, make a man out of him and drag him into the trenches, even if it is unlike me to do so."

Al Harbi - despite having just one stoppage on his record - has been accepted as a good, tactical boxer.

Portman, himself, has only halted three opponents over his 20 wins but believes he has the power.

The older man, as well, the Black Country fighter also accepts he may have to bide his time during the 10-round contest.

He said: "Nasser has got the slight edge in boxing ability and lateral movement and I am not going to beat him if I start poncing around.

"We both haven't got a lot of knockouts to our name but I am the stronger man, so I have got to cut the ring off.

"I don't mind giving away the first couple of rounds as long as I come on strong later in the fight, that's my plan.

"But I will be putting it on him."

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