Audley Harrison Does Not Care What People Think
By Terence Dooley
Audley Harrison has told his critics that he will not let their barbed remarks derail his quest for world domination. Audley, 37, won last Friday’s Prizefighter: The Heavyweights III crown; he hopes that the victory will kick-start his disappointing career.
Harrison struck Gold at the 2000 Olympics, he turned pro under his own steam and the BBC televised his first 16 contests. However, Audley’s relationship with the been soured when the TV institution refused to sign him to a new deal. Indeed, Audley claims that the BBC helped force him out of the country, he is holding back on the full details but assures us that all will be revealed after his in-ring career is over.
The 6’ 4½’’ southpaw told The Mirror that his victories over Scott Belshaw, Danny Hughes and Coleman Barrett (that win was mustard) have given him a solid platform for future success.
He said: “I think I've now created an opportunity where hopefully I can achieve my goals. My journey isn't about the criticism I get, it's about my own goal to be world champion,” declared Audley.
“I get knocked down but always get back up again. Everyone thought the door was closed for me after I lost in December against Martin Rogan but it wasn't. The place was sold out and I've seen loads of coverage in the papers so there's still interest in me. After those three performances, there's still hope for me and hope for Britain to have a world champion.
“My critics are always going to be there and the battering I take out of the ring is why I live in America. It's an unwarranted battering but I'm not going to cry about it. My left hand was firing and I had three good victories. All roads lead to a world title so I want to do whatever gets me to a world title the quickest way possible.”
It must be said, though, that Audley has had a few batterings in the ring, also; he lost a ten-round decision to Martin Rogan – then a relative novice – last December; his last big fight, against Reading’s Michael Sprott, saw Harrison hammered to defeat in three-rounds.
Still, the big man has a perfect physique, from the waist up at least, he also has skills to burn and an almost evangelical belief in his ability, don’t count him out.
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