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Audley Harrison believes he has underachieved as a professional boxer – even if he wins the European belt next week.
Harrison turned professional in 2000 after winning a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics and instantly set his sights on claiming a world heavyweight title.
He fights fellow Briton Michael Sprott for the vacant European Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace on Friday, April 9 in a make-or-break night in his career.
A defeat would lead to Harrison retiring, while victory would keep his world championship aspirations alive.
“In 2000 I was the talk of the town but I slipped from a mountain top,” said 38-year-old Harrison. “Now I’m climbing back up and in 2010 I will take my position as the man at the top of the heavyweight division.
“In 2004, when I was 17-0, Ring Magazine had me as the future of heavyweight boxing but I went off track. Now I’m back on track and before I retire I will get justice and be World Heavyweight Champion.
“When I was 19 I had no qualifications and was locked up in a young person’s institution. When I came out I went to college to get some qualifications as I had nothing. Within ten years I got a degree, won an Olympic gold medal and started my own company, A-Force Promotions.
“But I’m not happy with my career as my goal is to be world champion and I won’t be satisfied until my career goal is achieved. I will win a world championship before I retire.
“The winner of this fight gets a guaranteed top ten ranking in the WBC rankings so I’m really excited. I’m mentally, physically and spiritually ready and it’s my time to be back on top.
“I’ve got the talent and everything that’s needed to be a World Heavyweight Champion. I’m training really hard and I’m looking so good in the gym it’s scary. It’s been a long road but I feel I’m back at my best.”
Harrison lost to Sprott with a third round knockout back in February 2007 when the English title was on the line. However, Harrison is confident of claiming a victory this time around.
“Now God has given me the chance to rectify my loss against Michael Sprott,” added Harrison. “I knocked him down in the first round but made a terrible error and fair play to Michael he capitalised. Having this opportunity to fight for the European title and fight Michael Sprott is a blessing.
“The result is going to be Audley Harrison – victory. It could be a knockout but that depends on how brave Michael Sprott is. But he will be taking a lot of punishment and whatever he brings I’ll have an answer and be ready for it.”
Tickets for the Harrison v Sprott clash on April 9 cost £30 and £60 and are available from www.seetickets.com or 0871 230 7148.
