AUDLEY Harrison's eleventh professional fight was marred by crowd violence on Saturday night at the York Hall in Bethnal Green, writes Robin Clementson.

Harrison, who defeated Blackpool's Matthew Ellis in the second round of the eight round contest - his most impressive performance to date - was left having to answer questions about how he conducted himself after the fight rather than during.

The Wembley fighter had playfully asked the crowd if they would prefer him to fight Frank Bruno or Herbie Hide who were both were ringside. The crowd answered with chants of 'Bruno, Bruno' but Harrison's 'bit of fun' was questioned over inciting the crowd.

Hide, from Norwich, well known for out-of-the-ring bust-ups, was aloud into the arena by Harrison's promoter Jess Harding, but it was allegadly the BBC who invited him ringside and to be interviewed with Harison after the fight this never happened.

Insults between the Harrison's and Hide's entourage were exchanged outside of the ring after the fight and Harrison was seen having words with his rival over the top rope, but also looked to be trying to calm the mounting situation.

Harrison moved back into the centre of the ring before the violence erupted. It is alleged that a woman, a fan of Harrison, approached Hide and verbally assaulted him as he stood on a table overlooking the crowd. It is then alleged that Hide pushed the woman who fell backwards as Hide lost his balance and also fell to the floor. This kick-started the bedlam.

Chairs were thrown by security, who seemed to have lost the plot, as screaming fans ran for the exits one of the worst scenes in the history of British boxing. Only Alan Minter's failed defence of his world middleweight title fight with Marvin Hagler in London can bost a more devastating scene, according to fight pundits ringside.

Harrison had earlier taken out the gutsy Ellis in the second round after losing the opening three minutes.

Ellis clearly came to fight and set about Harrison from the opening bell landing with some heavy looking shots, one of which shook the legs of Harrison.

But the bigger, and more skilful fighter weathered the storm and fought an excellent 'inside' battle finally dropping Ellis in the second round. Ellis hit the canvas twice more before the referee stopped the fight.

Afterwards Harrison said: "I have to give credit to Ellis, he came to fight and did well. But I'm improving all the time."