Audley Harrison | |
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![]() | |
Born | Audley Harrison October 26, 1971 |
Nationality | ![]() |
Other names | A-Force, A-Farce, Parcel-Force, Ordinary Harrison, Fraudley, Audrey |
Statistics | |
Weight(s) | Heavyweight |
Height | 6 ft 5.5 in (1.97 m) |
Reach | 86 in (2.18 m) |
Stance | Southpaw |
Boxing record | |
Total fights | 27 |
Wins | 23 |
Wins by KO | 17 |
Losses | 4 |
Draws | 0 |
No contests | 0 |
Audley Harrison (born October 26, 1971 in London) is a British Heavyweight boxer of Jamaican heritage. In 2000 in Sydney he became the first Briton to win an Olympic gold medal in the Superheavyweight division since the competition's inception in 1984. He was also the first Briton to take Olympic boxing gold in 32 years and the first at the highest weight class since 1920. After his Olympic success he turned professional, fighting in Great Britain and America.[1]
Amateur career
Boxing out of Repton Amateur Boxing Club in Highams Park, London, Harrison became British super heavyweight champion in 1997, defeating Nick Kendall in the final. He retained the title in 1998, defeating Dean Redmond,[2] and won Gold at the 1998 Commonwealth Games beating Michael Macquae of Mauritius in the final. In 2000 he won Gold at the Sydney Olympics by defeating Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov of Kazakhstan on points.
Turning professional
After his medal win, Harrison was awarded an MBE from the Queen and landed a £1 million deal with the BBC to show his first ten professional fights.[3] He became the first boxer in Britain to sign a direct broadcast deal and was viewed as a future heavyweight champion by most experts. [who?] Harrison set up his own company, A Force Promotions, to manage his career and concluded several high profile sponsorships deals. He released his autobiography Realising the Dream in 2001. His decision not to sign with a major promoter, was not viewed positively by the boxing establishment and Harrison became victim to a constant campaign of negative publicity. [citation needed] As is the norm with celebrated amateurs turning professional, Harrison's professional debut was against US club fighter Michael Middleton, whom Harrison knocked out in the first round in Wembley Arena with 6 Million viewers watching at home.[4] He was then out of action for several months with a injury, but by the end of the year outpointed Briton Derek McCafferty over six rounds.[5] Harrison was criticized in the boxing press for his seeming unwillingness to take on his fellow British contenders such as Michael Sprott, Matt Skelton, Keith Long, or Pele Reid. [citation needed]
Harrison continued to win and made his USA debut in November 2002, knocking out Shawn Robinson in the 1st round. In February 2003 he beat US fighter Rob Calloway in 4 rounds,[6] and outpointed Ratko Draskovic over 8 rounds.[7] Harrison then knocked out Matt Ellis in 2 rounds. Harrison then tried to arrange a fight with 41 year old ex-World champion Frank Bruno, who had been retired for 7 years. A dispute at York Hall, Bethnal Green with the erratic Hide after the Ellis fight resulted in a riot.[8] The proposed Frank Bruno fight collapsed shortly afterwards, when Bruno was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. [citation needed] Harrison and Hide were both penalised by the British Boxing Board of Control for the riot.
Medal record | ||
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Men's Boxing | ||
Olympic Games | ||
Representing ![]() | ||
![]() |
2000 Sydney | Super Heavyweight |
Commonwealth Games | ||
Representing ![]() | ||
![]() |
1998 Kuala Lumpur | Super Heavyweight |
America
Following the Ellis riot, Harrison relocated to the USA where he was unbeaten in 11 fights, with 8 knockouts. In the 2003 November issue of the Ring Magazine, Harrison was tipped to emulate Lennox Lewis and become a dominant world champion.
He had three more fights in 2003, against tough journeymen Lisandro Diaz (KO4),[9] Quinn Navarre (KO3),[10] and Brian Nix (KO3),[11] in America. Harrison was sparring regularly with experienced world class Heavyweights like Vaughn Bean.
Harrison returned to the UK in 2004, but instead of fighting new British champion Michael Sprott for the British title, he fought unbeaten Dutch fighter Richel Hersisia for the WBF World belt. He knocked out Hersisia in 4 rounds.[12] He defended the title twice: a 12 round points win over late-sub Julius Francis,[13] and a 9th round TKO of unbeaten Tomasz Bonin,[14]. After suffering a serious ligament tear in his left hand requiring hand surgery in New York, Harrison did not fight for almost a year. When the BBC decided to take all boxing off their schedule permanently, his contract was not renewed. A-Force Promotions was re launched in the USA and Harrison formed a partnership with AL Haymon.
Harrison returned to the ring in June 2005. He knocked out two journeymen, Robert Davis (KO7)[15] and Robert Wiggins (KO4)[16] on The Best Damn Sports Show Period, and said he was now ready to step up and face world class opponents and get a title shot.
UK and America
Harrison returned to the UK in December to face long-time bitter rival Danny Williams in London for the Commonwealth title. Harrison stepped in after Matt Skelton had pulled out and took the bout on 5 weeks notice. He lost to a close, split decision. [17]
In April 2006 Harrison fought in the US against Dominick Guinn and again lost on points.[18]. Harrison put the defeat down to loss of confidence from his defeat to Williams and insisted he would bounce back.
In June 2006 he scored a three round knockout of journeyman Andrew Greeley in an off-TV fight in America,[19] and was poised for a fight with Matt Skelton to try to resurrect his career. Skelton had beaten Danny Williams in July, winning the title Williams had earlier taken from Harrison. When Skelton dropped out only one week before the fight due to injury, Danny Williams replaced him.[20]
Williams had trained 8 weeks for a fight with British champion Scott Gammer. This time Harrison fought far more aggressively, decking Williams twice and winning on a third round knockout. Williams suffered a broken nose and severe lacerations.[21] and Harrison was once again lauded as a contender for a world title. Following the victory over Williams, Harrison signed a promotional deal with Frank Warren, whose aim was to get Harrison a world title fight in 2007.
On 17 February 2007, Harrison was knocked out by Michael Sprott for the European Union title. This third professional loss left Harrison's future uncertain. Harrison claimed that he could make a comeback, but comments Warren suggested that any return to the ring would be for a reduced purse, since the public would have no great interest.[22]
Harrison announced a low-key comeback fight against UK journeyman Paul King scheduled for 29 September, 2007 in Sheffield. However, he and his coach Kelvyn Travis were involved in a car accident on 21 September 2007 in the USA, and Harrison suffered injuries that caused the fight to be cancelled.[23] Harrison had also suggested that a deal would be announced involving promoter Dennis Hobson, but the cancellation of the fight meant that a formal announcement was on hold.[24] Harrison underwent surgery for his injuries,[25] and returned on April 19 2008, beating the American Jason Barnett in the fifth round on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins/Joe Calzaghe fight at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.[26] This bout was the first of a new multi-bout agreement between Harrison and Warren, which aimed to get Harrison a world title shot in 2009.
After proposed matches with Samuel Peter and Martin Rogan[27][28] fell through, on 6 September, 2008 Harrison gained what the BBC described as "an unconvincing victory" over George Arias[29] at the MEN Arena in Manchester. The fight was overshadowed by Amir Khan's first defeat later on the same card. On 6 December 2008, Harrison was defeated by winner of the first Prizefighter tournament, Martin Rogan. The referee scored the contest 96-95 in favour of the Irishman.[30]
Amateur record
- 1998 at the European Super Heavyweight Championships in Minsk, Belarus, lost to Serguei Lyakhovich (Belarus)
- 1998 Commonwealth Games Super Heavyweight Gold Medalist. Results were:
- Defeated Fai Falamoe (New Zealand) points
- Defeated Jim Whitehead (Australia) KO 3
- Defeated Michael Macquae (Mauritius) KO 1
- 1999 competed at the World Championships in Houston, United States. Results were:
- Defeated Lazizbek Zokirov (Uzbekistan) points
- Lost to Sinan Samil Sam (Turkey) points
- Won the Super Heavyweight Gold Medal representing Great Britain at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Results were:
- Defeated Alexei Lezin (Russia) TKO 4
- Defeated Alexey Mazikin (Ukraine) points
- Defeated Paolo Vidoz (Italy) points
- Defeated Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov (Kazakhstan) points
Professional record
Fight № | Date | Opponent | Won/Lost | Decision | Round | Location |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
27 | 6 December 2008 | ![]() |
Loss | UD | 10 | ![]() |
26 | 6 September 2008 | ![]() |
Win | UD | 10 | ![]() |
25 | 20 April 2008 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 5 | ![]() |
24 | 17 February 2007 | ![]() |
Loss | KO | 3 | ![]() |
23 | 9 December 2006 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 3 | ![]() |
22 | 9 June 2006 | ![]() |
Win | KO | 3 | ![]() |
21 | 14 April 2006 | ![]() |
Loss | UD | 10 | ![]() |
20 | 10 December 2005 | ![]() |
Loss | SD | 12 | ![]() |
19 | 18 August 2005 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 4 | ![]() |
18 | 9 June 2005 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 7 | ![]() |
17 | 19 June 2004 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 9 | ![]() |
16 | 8 May 2004 | ![]() |
Win | PTS | 12 | ![]() |
15 | 20 March 2004 | ![]() |
Win | KO | 4 | ![]() |
14 | 12 December 2003 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 3 | ![]() |
13 | 3 October 2003 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 4 | ![]() |
12 | 9 September 2003 | ![]() |
Win | KO | 3 | ![]() |
11 | 31 May 2003 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 2 | ![]() |
10 | 29 March 2003 | ![]() |
Win | PTS | 8 | ![]() |
9 | 8 February 2003 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 4 | ![]() |
8 | 23 November 2002 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 1 | ![]() |
7 | 5 October 2002 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 2 | ![]() |
6 | 10 July 2002 | ![]() |
Win | PTS | 6 | ![]() |
5 | 21 May 2002 | ![]() |
Win | PTS | 6 | ![]() |
4 | 20 April 2002 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 2 | ![]() |
3 | 20 October 2001 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 2 | ![]() |
2 | 22 September 2001 | ![]() |
Win | PTS | 6 | ![]() |
1 | 19 May 2001 | ![]() |
Win | TKO | 1 | ![]() |
References
- ^ http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=11084&more=1
- ^ Amateur Boxing Association of England
- ^ "Harrison signs deal with BBC". BBC Sport. 2001. Retrieved 2007-05-25.
- ^ "Trainer happy with Audley opener". BBC Sport. 2001. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Harrison lands quick win". BBC Sport. 2002. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Harrison victorious again". BBC Sport. 2003. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Competent win for Harrison". BBC Sport. 2003. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Hide fracas mars Harrison victory". BBC Sport. 2003. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Easy victory for Harrison". BBC Sport. 2003. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Harrison shines in Miami". BBC Sport. 2003. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Harrison cruises past Nix". BBC Sport. 2003. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ Alex Trickett (2004). "Harrison takes WBF title". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Harrison toils to victory". BBC Sport. 2004. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Audley stops brave Bonin". BBC Sport. 2004. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Harrison canters to win on return". BBC Sport. 2005. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Harrison too strong for Wiggins". BBC Sport. 2005. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Williams revels in Harrison win". BBC Sport. 2005. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Dire Harrison outpointed by Guinn". BBC Sport. 2006. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Audley returns with knockout win". BBC Sport. 2006. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Williams set for Harrison rematch". BBC Sport. 2006. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Harrison in bloody Williams win". BBC Sport. 2006. Retrieved 2007-01-30.
- ^ "Warren questions Audley's future". BBC Sport. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-22.
- ^ http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/7009219.stm Harrison cancels bout after crash
- ^ AudleyHarrison.com - The Official Website - Boxing News
- ^ "Audley Undergoes Surgery". www.audleyharrison.com. Retrieved 1 November 2007.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (help) - ^ "Harrison labours to comeback win". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2008-04-20.
- ^ "Rogan and Harrison trade verbals". BBC Sport. 2008-06-26. Retrieved 2008-07-10.
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(help) - ^ "Audley's big night is KO'd". The Sun. 2008-07-12. Retrieved 2008-07-18.
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(help) - ^ "Hesitant Harrison claims victory". BBC Sport. 2008-09-07. Retrieved 2008-09-08.
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(help) - ^ "Harrison loses to Rogan on points". BBC Sport. 2008-12-06. Retrieved 2008-12-17.
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External links
- Official site
- Boxing record for Audley Harrison from BoxRec (registration required)
- TV appearances at Internet Movie Database