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© Lawrence Lustig
Audley Harrison today insisted he can still become World Heavyweight Champion.
Harrison, 37, admits he has failed to fulfill his potential after winning Olympic gold in 2000 but believes victory at next month’s Prizefighter Heavyweights III will catapult him back to title level.
“I had plans to be the Heavyweight Champion of the World in four or five years and it has not gone the way I wanted but ultimately I still believe I’m going to achieve that goal,” said Harrison.
“When I turned professional I said I would win a world title and provided I do that then I will be happy with my career.
“I was one or two fights away from a world title but my career started to implode out of the ring, not in it. I was ready for the next step but sometimes shit happens. I still have time to achieve my goals and will do so.
“I believe I will get that world title and the British public will understand my path, my battles and I will get that credit.
“I’m probably the greatest amateur boxer ever from Britain and won two National Championships, a Commonwealth Championship and am an Olympic Champion. I achieved most of the titles that are out there as an amateur but as a professional I haven’t achieved yet.
“I’ve had ups and downs but I still have the desire, passion and skill and also, now, a clear head.
“I went through a period of time where I couldn’t focus but now I’m in a good place physically and mentally and looking forward to winning this tournament.”
Prizefighter Heavyweights III takes place at the ExCel in London on October 2 and the draw, which was made by former undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson, has given Harrison a perfect opportunity for revenge.
If he defeats Northern Ireland’s Scott Belshaw, Harrison could have a semi-final clash against Michael Sprott, who he lost to in 2007. Harrison could then have a final showdown with arch rival Danny Williams, the current British Champion, who he has beaten once and lost to once.
“With the draw now in, I can now focus on the potential opponents I will face in Prizefighter,” added Harrison. “Scott Belshaw will have a point to prove after getting stopped in his last bout, so I am taking him 100 per cent seriously.
“The chance to rectify my loss to Michael Sprott in the semi-finals is extra motivation for me to push myself in training.
“If Danny is opposing me in the final, I am confident and sure that, despite his relentless urge to crush me, I will come through a tough battle to take the Prizefighter crown.”
Prizefighter Heavyweights III draw:
Quarter-finals: QF 1. Scott Gammer v Coleman Barrett, QF 2. Danny Williams v Carl Baker, QF 3. Audley Harrison v Scott Belshaw, QF 4. Michael Sprott v Danny Hughes.
Semi-finals: SF1: Gammer or Barrett v Williams or Baker, SF 2: Harrison or Belshaw v Sprott or Hughes.
Tickets cost £40 and £80 and are available from See Tickets on 0871 220 0260, www.seetickets.com or from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.
