How much hope did the Brits have for Audley and what went wrong?

[Beanflicker]

He'll go down as one of the big busts in boxing history for sure, but how big of a bust was he really?

Gold medalist, great size, long reach, skilled... how big were the expectations for this guy? Was he beloved by the public accross the pond? Looked at as Lennox Lewis' successor?

I didn't know much about him when he first came on the scene and I never really payed much attention to him until he was upset by Danny Williams an Guinn.

What went wrong with him? Did he not have the skills that people thought? Was he a choke artist?

[Bobthepen]

Audley had all the skills to win a belt, but he did choke and lacked the heart. He always looked shit scared of taking a punch.
I'm skeptical about all heavyweights, so I didn't really hold out a lot of hope.

[erics44]

i held hope, but he never progressed

he did as well as anyone to about 10 fights but that was just about his level if you get me

like price for example had a similar start and has gone past that

[Beanflicker]

Ahhhh. I feel bad for the guy. He turned into a terrible joke.

[0james0]

He was supposed to be the next Lewis.

The guy had all the skills, he had genuine talent, was quick and could hit hard.

But he had no heart and no confidence in himself. Having no chin didn't help.

[p4pking]

He makes Zab Judah look like an over achiever, basically. No question he had rare physical tools for a HW, you don't win a gold medal without being extremely good. It's hard to believe he even did that when you watch him as a pro, it must've been a different ball game with his mentality. He is huge, coordinated and had great technique and handspeed. Problem is the guy is downright terrified of getting touched, to the point where he doesn't throw punches in fear of something coming back etc.

[Saddo]

early doors against nobodies he looked very impressive but I don't think many held much hope for him... he was a wait and see project and we waited and seen what alot of people where saying would happen (me not included)

he fucked up boxing back on the BBC by stinking out the place and got alot of money from the licence payers in the process so If he could have boxed half as good as he made deals he would have unified the title

[Beanflicker]

Was the big deals and gaurenteed money so early in his career a factor you think?

[0james0]

Was the big deals and gaurenteed money so early in his career a factor you think?

Probably. Got lazy I expect and thought he had made it.

[bzkfn]

I never really fancied it to be honest. As a Brit, I know that winning a gold medal in the amateur game means very little to the pro game. I'd like to add that I have major doubts Anthony Joshua could make it as a pro too.

Do you foreigners know that no British Olympic Gold Medal winner has gone on to be a pro World Champion? Lennox Lewis won gold for Canada so unfortunately he doesn't count.

[Master]

Was the big deals and gaurenteed money so early in his career a factor you think?

Probably. Got lazy I expect and thought he had made it.

That contributed to his lack of desire because he earned an obscene amount so early on. He had a weak chin and once exposed fought scared. His greatest fight was his come from behind one punch KO over Sprott. I think the biggest factor was the injuries he picked up, they were very serious and hampered his career throughout. He probably over achieved all things considered.

[IamInuit]

It was not just the Brits. I was convinced that with his kind of talent,size, speed and deadly straight left hand that he was going to take over the division. Even Lewis bought into it. He looked unstoppable coming out of the games and impressive in his early wins. I agree with what several members have already brought up. It may have been Joe Frazier who coined the phrase "sleeping in silk sheets to early" and Harrison was probably a millionaire before he turned pro.

[Dark Lord Al]

I had no hope for Audley , and nothing went wrong he is just shit.

[Dia bando]

There is a old saying, it's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight IN the dog,
Audley was a very Big dog, but he had more of a mouse size fight in his heart, he had it all size
good skills punch power. He did not endear himself to the public, outspoken talked a lot produced very
little, could have should have. Remember not all Olympic Champions, turn out to be good pro fighters
it's a fact, in the pro game no place to hide over 12 rounds.

[Mark TKO]

Had an attitude from the start. Millionaire before he stepped through the ropes for first time and fucking dissed me in Vegas before he had even had one fight - too busy to sign autograph. Too bsy doing wht Audley - not fucking training thats for sure

Knew he was shite and ask anyone on this forum way back when I said after his 8th fight or so that he would be 'found out and beaten within 20 fights' and 'kayoed within 24'


Utter shite - I really hope he doesn't somehow worm his way to one more big pay day. Stranger things have happened