Audley Harrison


Audley Hugh Harrison, is a British former professional boxer who competed from 2001 to 2013. As an amateur he represented Great Britain at the 2000 Olympics, winning a gold medal in the super-heavyweight division and becoming the first ever British boxer to win Olympic gold in that division. Harrison turned professional the following year after signing a contract with BBC Sport, and went on to have seventeen fights on the network before their cancellation of all boxing broadcasts.
In his professional career he challenged for the WBA, British, and Commonwealth heavyweight titles. In 2009, Harrison won the Prizefighter tournament, his first of two. He became the European heavyweight champion in 2010, after defeating Michael Sprott in a rematch of their 2007 bout. In 2013, Harrison won his second Prizefighter tournament, becoming the first boxer to do so.

Amateur career

Boxing out of Repton Amateur Boxing Club in Bethnal Green, London, Harrison became British super heavyweight champion in 1997, defeating Nick Kendall in the final. He retained the title in 1998, defeating Dean Redmond, 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. After his medal win, Harrison was awarded an MBE.

Highlights

In 2001, Harrison released his autobiography Realising the Dream and set up his own company, A Force Promotions, to manage his career and concluded several high-profile sponsorships deals and became the first boxer in Britain to sign a direct broadcast deal.
He signed a £1 million deal with the BBC to show his first ten professional fights.
His 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. He was then out of action for several months with an injury, but by the end of the year outpointed Briton Derek McCafferty over six rounds.
Harrison continued to win and made his United States debut in November 2002, knocking out Shawn Robinson in the 1st round. In February 2003 he beat US fighter Rob Calloway in four rounds, and outpointed Ratko Draskovic over eight rounds. Harrison then knocked out Matt Ellis in two rounds. Harrison then tried to arrange a fight with 41-year-old ex-World champion Frank Bruno, who had been retired for seven years. A dispute at York Hall, Bethnal Green with the Herbie Hide after the Ellis fight resulted in a riot. The proposed Frank Bruno fight collapsed shortly afterwards, when Bruno was sectioned under the Mental Health Act. Harrison and Hide were both penalised by the British Boxing Board of Control for the riot.

America bound

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 Lisandro Diaz, Quinn Navarre, and Brian Nix, 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 World Boxing Foundation World belt. He knocked out Hersisia in 4 rounds. He defended the title twice: a 12-round points win over late-sub Julius Francis, and a 9th-round TKO of unbeaten Tomasz Bonin. After suffering a serious ligament tear in his left hand requiring hand surgery in New York, Harrison did not fight for almost a year.

BBC deal ends

Harrison's contract was not renewed in 2004 and the BBC stopped broadcasting professional boxing.
Harrison returned to the ring in June 2005. He knocked out Robert Davis and Robert Wiggins. On The Best Damn Sports Show Period he said he was now ready to step up and face world class opponents and get a title shot.

Loss of form

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 five weeks notice. Harrison lost a close, split decision.
In April 2006, Harrison fought in the US against Dominick Guinn and again lost on points. Harrison put the defeat down to loss of confidence from his defeat to Williams and insisted he would bounce back. In June, he scored a three-round knockout of Andrew Greeley in an off-TV fight in America, 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.
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, 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 Warren suggested that any return to the ring would be for a reduced purse, since the public would have no great interest.
Harrison returned to fight Paul King for a bout 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 United States, and Harrison suffered injuries that caused the fight to be cancelled. 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. Harrison underwent surgery for his injuries, and returned on 19 April 2008, beating the American Jason Barnett in the fifth round on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins vs. Joe Calzaghe fight at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 fell through, on 6 September 2008 Harrison gained what the BBC described as "an unconvincing victory" over George Arias 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's career seemed all but over as he was defeated by the winner of the first Prizefighter tournament and Belfast taxi driver, Martin Rogan. The referee scored the contest 96–95 in favour of the Irishman.

Comeback

Harrison signed for the Prizefighter tournament, an eight-man, one-night knockout tournament that took place at ExCeL London on 2 October 2009. On 1 October 2009, he weighed in for Prizefighter at 18 stones and half a pound. He went on to win the tournament, by way of second round knock-out against Coleman Barrett. Before that, he had knocked out Scott Belshaw and won a unanimous decision over Danny Hughes. Following his success in the Prizefighter tournament, it was announced on 15 January 2010 that Harrison would face Albert Sosnowski for the European Boxing Union heavyweight title, with the fight set for 9 April 2010. However Sosnowski called the bout off for a shot at Vitali Klitschko's WBC title.
On 9 April 2010, Harrison won the vacant EBU belt against old foe Michael Sprott at Alexandra Palace. He knocked out Sprott in the final round despite being behind on all three judges scorecards. Harrison claimed he sustained a shoulder injury early in the fight and had to carry on single-handed. BBC Sport said of the fight: "Having come within seconds of a defeat that would have made a mockery of pre-fight assertions that he could face one of the Klitschko brothers for a world title, Harrison said: 'I had to win it somehow.
On 24 April 2010, Harrison underwent surgery in Cheadle, Greater Manchester to repair the torn Pectoralis major muscle. The surgeon said he expects Harrison to make a "full recovery in about 12 to 16 weeks".

World title challenge vs. David Haye

On 8 June 2010, Harrison vacated his European title, announcing his intention of getting a world title shot. He began negotiations with Hayemaker Promotions soon after, which culminated in a world-title fight in the M.E.N. Arena against WBA champion David Haye on 13 November 2010.
Harrison was defeated by Haye, with the fight being stopped in the third round after Harrison was unable to respond to a barrage of punches from Haye. Statistics from the fight showed that Harrison only landed a single punch in the entire duration of the contest.
Harrison was heavily criticised for his performance after the bout. British and Commonwealth champion Dereck Chisora stated, "I'd never show my face again if I fought like that. It was pathetic. He disgraced himself and he disgraced British heavyweights, he shouldn't get paid the reported million pounds he is earning after that shambles." European light-heavyweight champion Nathan Cleverly also voiced his discontent with the fight, adding Harrison should now retire. Due to the nature of Harrison's defeat, the BBBofC withheld some of the fighter's purse while a full investigation of the bout was carried out. After the investigation into the fight was concluded, Harrison was granted his full purse on 11 January 2011.

Future

On 3 December 2010, it was confirmed Harrison would continue his career as a professional boxer despite the calls for him to retire. Former British and Commonwealth champion Dereck Chisora was critical of the decision, stating, "He's going to box on, but who's going to buy the tickets to go and watch him? Even if he gives them to you for free are you going to go and watch? ... Good luck to Audley anyway."

On 15 November 2011, during an interview on BBC Breakfast following his departure from Strictly Come Dancing, Harrison announced that he would return to boxing for one last time saying that "It could be over, but I just need to go and check." He stated that his intention was to fight British Heavyweight Champion Tyson Fury in 2012.

2012–13 and retirement

Harrison returned to the ring on 26 May 2012 and boxed Ali Adams at the Brentwood Centre, Essex for the International Masters Championships. Harrison sent his opponent to the canvas with a right hand and although Adams managed to get to his feet, a flurry of follow-up shots from Harrison prompted the referee to step in and end the contest.
Harrison faced David Price on 13 October 2012, and lost the fight by knockout after 82 seconds of the first round.
Harrison announced that he will not retire from boxing and will box on
On 23 February 2013 Harrison won the tournament, defeating Derric Rossy in the final.
On 27 April 2013, Harrison stepped into the ring to fight the unbeaten American prospect Deontay Wilder, who had a record of 27 wins, all coming by way of knockout . Wilder had not been beyond 4 rounds in his professional career. The bout only lasted a mere 70 seconds of the first round. Wilder landed a right hand which wobbled Harrison, Wilder then rushed in with a flurry of wild punches. Harrison was knocked down but managed to beat the count. However, the referee then stopped the bout, deeming Harrison unable to continue. Wilder won via TKO, his 28th consecutive knockout.
On 1 May 2013, Harrison announced his retirement from boxing. However just 20 days later, he came out of retirement with intentions to box on.
On 26 March 2014, Harrison announced he was no longer a professional boxer, and would not return to the ring.

Professional boxing record

No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
38Loss31–7 Deontay WilderTKO1, 1:1027 Apr 2013 Motorpoint Arena, Sheffield, England
37Win31–6 Derric RossyTKO2, 1:2523 Mar 2013 York Hall, London, England
36Win30–6 Martin RoganUD323 Mar 2013 York Hall, London, England
35Win29–6 Claus BertinoTKO1, 0:3323 Mar 2013 York Hall, London, England
34Loss28–6 David PriceTKO1, 1:2213 Oct 2012 Echo Arena, Liverpool, EnglandFor British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles
33Win28–5 Ali AdamsTKO4, 0:4526 May 2012 Brentwood Centre Arena, Brentwood, England
32Loss27–5 David HayeTKO3, 1:5313 Nov 2010 MEN Arena, Manchester, EnglandFor WBA heavyweight title
31Win27–4 Michael SprottKO12, 1:059 Apr 2010 Alexandra Palace, London, EnglandWon vacant European heavyweight title
30Win26–4 Coleman BarrettTKO2, 2:402 Oct 2009 ExCeL, London, England
29Win25–4 Danny HughesUD32 Oct 2009 ExCeL, London, England
28Win24–4 Scott BelshawTKO2, 3:002 Oct 2009 ExCeL, London, England
27Loss23–4 Martin RoganPTS106 Dec 2008 ExCeL, London, England
26Win23–3 George AriasPTS106 Sep 2008 MEN Arena, Manchester, England
25Win22–3 Jason BarnettTKO5, 1:4819 Apr 2008 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, US
24Loss21–3 Michael SprottKO3, 3:0017 Feb 2007 Wembley Arena, London, EnglandFor European and vacant British heavyweight titles
23Win21–2 Danny WilliamsTKO3, 2:329 Dec 2006 ExCeL, London, England
22Win20–2 Andrew GreeleyKO3, 2:329 Jun 2006 Tropicana Casino & Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
21Loss19–2 Dominick GuinnUD1014 Apr 2006 Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa, Rancho Mirage, California, US
20Loss19–1 Danny Williams1210 Dec 2005 ExCeL, London, EnglandFor vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title
19Win19–0 Robert WigginsTKO4, 3:0018 Aug 2005 HP Pavilion, San Jose, California, US
18Win18–0 Robert DavisTKO7, 2:219 Jun 2005 Pechanga Resort & Casino, Temecula, California, US
17Win17–0 Tomasz BoninTKO9, 2:1719 Jun 2004 Alexandra Palace, London, EnglandRetained WBF heavyweight title
16Win16–0 Julius Francis128 May 2004 Whitchurch Leisure Centre, Bristol, EnglandRetained WBF heavyweight title
15Win15–0 Richel HersisiaKO4, 2:0020 Mar 2004 Wembley Arena, London, EnglandWon WBF heavyweight title
14Win14–0 Brian NixTKO3, 1:4112 Dec 2003 Edgewater Hotel and Casino, Laughlin, Nevada, US
13Win13–0 Lisandro Ezequiel DiazTKO4, 1:323 Oct 2003 Mandalay Bay Events Center, Paradise, Nevada, US
12Win12–0 Quinn NavarreKO3, 0:329 Sep 2003 Level Nightclub, Miami, Florida, US
11Win11–0 Mathew EllisTKO2, 1:3531 May 2003 York Hall, London, England
10Win10–0 Ratko DraskovicPTS829 Mar 2003 Wembley Conference Centre, London, England
9Win9–0 Rob CallowayTKO5, 3:008 Feb 2003 Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre, London, England
8Win8–0 Shawn RobinsonTKO1, 2:0923 Nov 2002 Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, US
7Win7–0 Wade LewisTKO2, 0:435 Oct 2002 Liverpool Olympia, Liverpool, England
6Win6–0 Dominic NegusPTS610 Jul 2002 Wembley Conference Centre, London, England
5Win5–0 Mark KrencePTS621 May 2002 ExCeL, London, England
4Win4–0 Julius Long2, 2:0020 Apr 2002 Wembley Conference Centre, London, England
3Win3–0 Piotr JurczykTKO2, 1:2420 Oct 2001 Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, Scotland
2Win2–0 Derek McCafferty622 Sep 2001 Telewest Arena, Newcastle, England
1Win1–0 Mike Middleton1, 2:4519 May 2001 Wembley Arena, London, EnglandProfessional debut

Reality television

On 6 September 2011, it was announced that Harrison would take part in the 2011 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Harrison and his dance partner Natalie Lowe made it to the seventh round of the contest before being voted out.
Harrison came second in the 2014 Summer edition of Celebrity Big Brother, and in 2016 he took part in Celebrity MasterChef.

Personal life

Harrison is married to Raychel. They have a daughter called Ariella Amore Harrison, and a son named Hudson, who was born in May 2013.
In 2015 Harrison revealed he was suffering from traumatic brain injuries leading to sight problems and severe mood swings.