(JUNE 12) HotBoxingNews received news
that Audley Harrison, 38 years old, has vacated his European
heavyweight title. This will now open a door to a showpiece World title
fight when he makes his return from injury in October. Harrison
had an operation on a pectoral muscle last month to correct the injury
that forced him to fight one-handed against Michael Sprott from the
fourth round of their European title bout at Alexandra Palace in April.
The injury hampered Harrison for the remainder of the fight until he
produced a stunning last-gasp knockout victory to land the title he is
now surrendering.
Harrison has a number of options available to him for his early winter
return, with his promoter Eddie Hearn saying there is potentially
Britain’s biggest fight ever against David Haye in the pipeline.
“Everyone wants to fight Audley because they know what he brings to the
table,” said Hearn. “He will be installed as the mandatory challenger
for the European title but we are also in discussions with the
Klitchko’s and Adam Booth and David Haye regarding a World title shot
later this year. We are keeping our options open right now but the Haye
fight is huge. Audley's last two appearances in the UK have attracted
record viewing figures, so couple that with David Haye's popularity and
this is the biggest fight the UK has ever seen.”
Harrison’s career has been a roller-coaster ride since he turned
professional after claiming Olympic gold in 2000. The Londoner has been
in the headlines throughout his career, winning the WBF heavyweight
title before sparking rivalries with Danny Williams and Sprott. After to
moving to America, a chance meeting with Hearn in Las Vegas saw Harrison
sign-up for Prizefighter, scooping the title at ExCeL in October – and
he says he is ready to grab the headlines again by taking a shot at the
world title.
“I'm told by my promoters that both David Haye and the Klitchko's
brothers have expressed an interest in facing me when I return after
rehab,” said Harrison. “If it’s either Klitchko brother, the task will
be hard, but that's how I want it. I respect both brothers as they are
effective at what they do but both can be beat. As I said before David
Haye is a false Prophet, one punch on that chin and it will shatter like
glass. If I was him, I'd keep running from the Klitchko's and keep
beating up on shop worn American heavyweights. Whatever the route I will
find a way to fulfill my destiny and become Heavyweight Champion of the
World.”
