by James Slater – Though 38-year-old Audley Harrison will not be able to return to the ring until October due to the torn pectoral muscle he suffered in his last fight, Harrison and his team have begun talks with the camps of both the Klitschkos and David Haye. Very much hoping he will be next in line for one of the three reigning heavyweight champions, Harrison has vacated the European title he worked so hard to win in dramatic, last-round fashion against Michael Sprott in April..
BBC Sport reports that Harrison’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, is keen for “A-Force” to get it on with fellow Londoner and WBA champ David Haye, whereas Audley himself says he is also more than willing to face the Klitschkos.
“Everyone wants to fight Audley because they know what he brings to the table,” Hearn said. “We are in discussions with the Klitschkos and David Haye and Adam Booth regarding a world title shot later this year. Audley’s last two appearances in the UK have attracted record viewing figures, so couple that with David Haye’s popularity and the fight is huge.”
While it’s a bit of an exaggeration from Hearn to say “everyone” wants to fight Harrison, it does seem as though Haye is keen on the idea. And while Haye Vs. Harrison would be huge in the UK, as Hearn says, it’s likely the rest of the world will not be all that interested if it happens.
What fans really want, in America as well as in the UK, is for Haye to face one of the Klitschkos. However, there is a possibility Harrison could beat Haye to it and fight either Wladimir or Vitali before he does. And southpaw Harrison, the 2000 Olympic gold medallist at super-heavyweight, says both brothers can be beaten.
“I’m told by my promoters that both David Haye and the Klitschko brothers have expressed an interest in facing me when I return after rehab [on the torn muscle],” Audley said. “If it’s either Klitschko 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.
“Whatever the route I will find a way to fulfil my destiny and become heavyweight champion of the world.”
Personally, I wouldn’t give Harrison much of a chance against either Klitschko, but you have to give Audley credit for sticking around and refusing to give up on his goal. And at least he seems to be close to a title shot; a place he was a million miles away from before he’d beaten Sprott in that dramatic 12th-round a couple of months ago. Talk about a career-rejuvenating victory!
As for a fight against Haye, his former friend, “A-Force” had no respectful words for the WBA champ.
“David Haye is a false prophet,” Harrison insisted. “One punch and that chin will shatter like glass. If I was him I’d keep running from the Klitschkos and keep beating up on shop-worn American heavyweights.”
Bold words indeed by Audley, but how about the sheer nerve of the guy in talking about chins being shattered by one punch! As I’m sure you’ll remember, Harrison himself was taken out with one punch by Sprott in their first fight.
Still, Harrison is still around and he could be a few months away from his first shot at world glory; some ten long years after he burst onto the scene.