by James Slater – Most fans seem to think, probably correctly, that British heavyweight Audley Harrison, the 2000 super-heavyweight Olympic gold medallist, has well and truly missed the boat as far as having any chance of winning a world heavyweight title is concerned. But the 38-year-old southpaw doesn’t agree. Well know for the past few years, has been “A-Force’s” amazing refusal to give in on his dream, and the next step for the former sure thing to become a world ruler is to be a shot at the European heavyweight belt..
And Audley, 26-4(19) believes a win over European champ Albert Sosnowski of Poland (the fight tentatively set for April) could lead him to a world title fight – very possibly against either fellow Brit David Haye or one of the two Klitschko brothers – these three men, of course, holding all four recognised world title belts between them.
But can the man who “saved” his pro career by winning the “Prize Fighter” tournament late last year even beat the tough guy from Poland? Harrison thinks so, though he concedes the fight will not be in any way easy.
Newly signed with Barry Hearn’s Matchroom Sport, the heavyweight name says he’ll have to be at the top of his game to be able to defeat Sosnowski.
“Albert Sosnowski represents a difficult challenge for me and I know he wants to keep his crown,” Audley said in a press release. “I’m impressed by Sosnowski’s fitness and pressure. I’ll need to be at the top of my game if I’m to be successful.
“No excuses; this is it! David Haye and the Klitschko brothers will be within my sights if I can get a victory and that’s enough motivation for me to lay it all on the line.”
Clearly having lost none of his ability to think big, then, Harrison has to deliver against Sosnowski. Not a huge puncher (tell that to Danny Williams) and not a particularly skilful boxer, the 30-year-old Pole who lives in Brentwood Essex in the UK wins because he is incredibly fit, determined and because he has a good chin. Could that be enough to see off Harrison and, more than likely, end the career of A-Force?
A fine enough fighter in the early going in any contest, Harrison has earned a reputation as a good “on top” fighter – one who runs out of confidence and stamina (heart?) the longer a fight goes. More talented than Sosnowski, Audley may well outbox the younger man for a few rounds; but what then? Will the powerfully built Euro champ come on and grind out a win by either late stoppage or clear decision?
Harrison, who has certainly got the tools needed to finally get his hands on a worthwhile title, cannot let a winning lead slip through his fingers this time. Harrison can win against Sosnowski, but he will likely have to grit his teeth like never before to do it. And while winning the European title will be some fine achievement, Audley should forget all about his triumph being a sign that he can go one better and become a world champion.
It will be a most admirable thing indeed if the fighter who so many people seem to love to hate can become European champ, but does he himself truly feel he can go any further?
Harrison to win on points over Sosnowski.