By Terence Dooley

Audley Harrison MBE has announced his retirement.  Harrison posted a statement on his website, www.audleyharrison.com, earlier today confirming his decision.  It draws a line under a professional career that has had plenty of ups and downs, attracted a lot of discussion and made lots of headlines.

Harrison, 31-7 (23), turned pro with a single stanza demolition of Mike Middleton in May 2001. However, his career moved slowly and the BBC eventually tore up his contract.  

A decision defeat to domestic rival Danny Williams in December 2005 was followed by a loss to Dominic Guinn four months later.  A knockout loss to Michael Sprott in February 2007 seemed to signal the end of his world title hopes only for Harrison to bounce back in style three-years later with a 12th-round KO revenge win over Sprott for the EBU title. 

This lead to a shot at David Haye for the WBA heavyweight crown, a fight that was derided due to a perceived lack of effort from both boxers until Haye finally put some punches together to secure a third-round stoppage.

Defeats to David Price and Deontay Wilder (both first-round KOS) ended his title dreams, but Harrison insisted that he would solider on.  A stint in Celebrity Big Brother reminded people that the two-time Prizefighter Champion is an engaging personality and there was renewed interest in his comeback. Today’s decision has ended the “Will he, won’t he?” speculation.

Despite the criticism levelled at him, Harrison did a lot of good for the amateur sport.  His Gold Medal win brought interest and funding—he sowed the seed for the recent British Olympic success stories.  BoxingScene wishes him well. 

Harrison’s statement in full: 

"My boxing career has come to an end. I am no longer a professional boxer and that is good with me. After locking myself away for the last five weeks, I've tried to focus and turn back the clock to get myself into fighting condition.

"I've also seen specialists for my brain, eyes and various other experts to test my body functions in regards to strength, power, speed, reaction time, cognitive function and agility. Additionally, I looked at the latest research into concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI). After years of denial and sticking to my guns, I'm finally getting out of my own way. As tough as it is to say this—it's time to stop.

"So, no world title for me as a boxer, but I accept that outcome as my lesson I had to learn. I was certainly talented enough to do it, but that ingredient is never enough. My desire to control my career and beat the system broke me down - I was desperate to do it, but not for any promotor but own my company A-Force Promotions. So be careful what you put out into the universe as the law of attraction is real.

"I'm blessed and grateful for this journey and want to thank all those individuals who have participated in my growth and success along the way. Although I was difficult, I truly appreciated your support, assistance and counsel. It's been fun my friends—tough and as real as they come, but I wouldn't have it any other way." 

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