Recently retired Olympic Gold Medalist Audley Harrison has announced his return to the ring immediately. Having announced his retirement on May 1st following his TKO loss to rising star Deontay Wilder, Audley has rescinded his decision and will return to the ring.  Audley and his wife Raychel recently added a baby boy the family, with the birth of Hudson Hugh Harrison on Thursday.  Seeing his son born helped to finalize his decision.

‘Firstly, I’m grateful to God for this blessing with the birth of Hudson, a healthy and beautiful little angel. Raychel my wife is a trooper, as childbirth is no joke’.

‘When I made the tough decision to walk away from boxing, I knew it was not going to be easy. As the days past, I knew I would not be able to live with the decision. I wrestled with it for a few weeks, and spoke to everyone from the Boxing Board, to Lennox Lewis, David Haye, my dad, wife and many others…ultimately seeing my son born crystallized my decision’.

‘There is no way I am going to tell my son, ‘I gave up because I didn’t want to climb the mountain again, I didn’t want to dust myself off again, when I’m now in the best shape of my career, doing things I haven’t done for years, and back in love with the sport…how can I retire, when I know I have another shot in me’.

‘If I don’t get up and try again, everything I’ve stood for would mean nothing …’NEGU’, ‘setbacks pave the way for comebacks’, etc, etc, I believe it, so I have to live it, and go again’.

‘We all saw how the fight ended, which was not right. I can’t walk away with that performance. If I do, it would haunt me until I’m old and grey’. I got up, they should have let him come to finish me, and let me show what I got’.

‘People who worry I may get hurt, I thank you for your concerns.  We live in a free society and my desire for freedom and autonomy is my universal right’.

‘Don’t know where, but see you in a ring real soon’.

A FORCE

Around the time great Olympians like Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), Floyd Mayweather and our very own Amir Khan were starting their Olympic journey and winning their medals. I was just getting serious with life – lacing on a pair of boxing gloves for the 1st time age 19. I was a young tear away, expelled from two schools, had no qualifications and was just released from a young offenders institution.

If you told me then I would be a 2x national champion, Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist, Olympic Games Gold Medalist, B.Sc. University Graduate. M.B.E, European Heavyweight Champion, married, and a parent, I would likely have said that’s just stupid talk. In the rough neighborhoods where I grew up, it’s hard to make dreams come true.

There are only so many times you can fall before it becomes foolhardy to continue. I’ve fallen a lot, but winning the heavyweight title was a destination I really wanted to get to. Coming back from adversity has been synonymous with my life.

I’ve done well to turn my life around, but sadly my dream to be a legitimate world champion will be unrealised.

I believed if I was mentally and physically right, I could figure these young guns out. Saturday was my final chance to prove it. The thing that pulled me up was pride, so I wanted a chance to continue and go out on my shield. It was not to be…

The rematch win over Danny Williams, avenging my loss to Michael Sprott to win the European title with a torn pec, plus winning the WBF title at Wembley Arena with Lennox Lewis in attendance were proud moments. I was also elated to win Prizefighter for the second time, putting in three good performances.

I’d like to thank the trainers, support staff and medical professionals I’ve worked with over the years. You have helped me greatly in the gyms, boardrooms and operating tables over the years, and I’m grateful to you all. Special mention to Kelvyn Travis.

Through boxing, I have been blessed to have travelled the world, socialized and mixed in circles I could have only dreamt about as a child. Receiving the M.B.E. from HRH and meeting so many of my boxing idols like Muhammad Ali and Marvin Haglar have been high points.

To Raychel my wife, thanks for your unconditional love and support…I look forward to the imminent arrival of our little boy to join our princess Ariella.

Our life is a one time deal, no rehearsals, so the regrets I have, I live with and accept…I got focused a little late in life, so I’ve had to learn some tough lessons along the way.

My brothers and family members have had to share in the roller coaster of my public life over the years and defending the family name after I lose has been a burden for you all. Thank you for the love and support over the years. I intend to lead a normal existence from here guys.

Finally, thank you to my dad for your efforts in raising us together under the same roof. Wish I could have achieved my goal for you.

Big up, look up and get up!

One love…

Audley A Force Harrison

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND, April 3 - Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder (27-0, 27 KO’s) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama will be crossing the Atlantic to take on Harlesden’s 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist Audley ‘A-Force’ Harrison (31-6, 23 KO’s) in the co-featured fight that will headline a thrilling undercard on “The Return of the King: Khan vs. Diaz” bill at Motorpoint Arena Sheffield on Saturday 27 April.

Wilder, a rising star on the American heavyweight scene, has shown his phenomenal punching prowess by blasting his way past all of his opponents. The knockout king now steps into the ring against a respected veteran in Harrison who harbours his own dreams of reaching the top and fulfilling his potential.

The pair will clash in a 12-round heavyweight showdown with the victor propelling themselves into world title contention.

“There’s nothing like the day before, the morning of and night after you’ve claimed VICTORY,” said Wilder. “The emotion, the excitement and adrenaline rush that I have is ready to explode out of me. I’m a starving lion that’s ready to eat. On April 27 in Sheffield, England my next meal will be served; on the menu: Audley Harrison…Bon appetite. For the many fans in England, Deontay ‘Bronze Bomber’ Wilder is coming. You’ve been waiting for this moment and now it’s here. I can’t wait to show you guys why I am the light and the way for this dark division.”

“Deontay is a fast, dangerous puncher, but he has not been tested as a pro,” said Harrison. “I have lot of respect for him, so it’s not personal, but this is the door I must walk through. Lose and it’s over, win and I’m in the top ten for sure, eligible to challenge for the world title. Biggest risk, for the biggest reward. It can’t get any better than that.”

Also featured on the undercard will be former Unified Lightweight World Champion Nate “The Galaxxy Warrior” Campbell (36-10-1, 26 KO’s) of Jacksonville, Florida who takes on the exciting undefeated Manchester prospect Terry “Turbo” Flannigan (19-0, 5 KO’s) in a 10-round lightweight bout.

“It’s a great honor to be fighting in England,” said Campbell. “I’m in great shape and looking forward to returning to the lightweight division and this fight will serve notice as to how serious I am.”

“I’m looking forward to showcasing my talents against a former world champion in Nate Campbell,” said Flannigan. “This is the type of fight I have been waiting for and I’m ready to move up to the next level and prove that I belong there. It’s going to be tough, but come the end of the fight, I have no doubt it will be my hand that is raised.”

British fight fans will also be able to enjoy a simmering local rivalry with a Lancashire-Yorkshire battle set as former British Champion Gary “Five Star” Sykes (23-3, 5 KO’s) puts his English super-featherweight crown on the line against Jon “2 Smokes” Kays (16-2-1, 4 KO’s) in a 10-round clash.

No love has been lost between the duo and the April 27 card is all set for fireworks when they go head-to-head.

“John Kays is a good fighter so I will need to be at my best,” said Sykes. “I know what to expect, but I’m confident and believe that my experience is going to help me. I’m coming off of a good winning streak and hope to put myself back into the mix for a British title shot by winning. I’m focused and am ready for this fight. I’m not giving up my English title to anyone.”

“I’m going into this fight ready to give it everything,” said Kays. “This is my time and I won’t let anyone take it away from me. I’m super fit, have a good boxing brain and know I have the ability to cause him trouble. It won’t be easy, but to get that title I’m willing to do whatever it takes. It’s going to be a really exciting fight.”

Also appearing on the show will be 2012 Olympic Bronze Medalist Anthony Ogogo of Lowestoft making his professional debut against Kieron Gray (5-13-1, 1 KO) of Telford in a six round middleweight fight and the younger brother of Amir Khan, Haroon Khan making his professional debut against an opponent to be determined in a four-round bantamweight fight. Plus, Manchester’s Adrian Gonzales (6-1) facing Marc Callaghan (19-32-1, 4 KO’s) of Barking in a six-round welterweight battle, Jack Catterral (3-0, 2 KO’s) of Chorley taking on Marc McKray (4-18-1, 3 KO’s) of Manchester in a four-round welterweight fight, Tomasz Mazurkiewicz (5-8-2, 1 KO) of Warsaw, Poland up against Doncaster’s Adam Jones (2-3) in a four-round junior middleweight fight and Carl Spencer (2-0, 2 KO’s) of Doncaster featured in a four round heavyweight bout.

“The Return of the King: Khan vs. Diaz” is a 12 round 143 pound catch-weight bout presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Khan Promotions and sponsored by JD Sport and Maxi Muscle.

Tickets priced at £300, £200, £125, £75 and £50 plus applicable taxes and service charges are on sale at the Motorpoint Arena box office, by calling (+44) 0114 256 5656, online at www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk or through Sports Corporation by calling 0845 163 0845 or at www.sportscorporation.com.

Fans in the United Kingdom can watch “The Return of the King: Khan vs. Diaz” live on BoxNation (Sky Channel 437 or Virgin Channel 546) on Saturday April 27. To subscribe visit www.boxnation.com.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.amirkhanworld.com, www.boxnation.com andwww.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,www.twitter.com/AmirKingKhan, www.twitter.com/boxnationtv, www.twitter.com/AnthonyOgogo,www.twitter.com/BronzeBomber, www.twitter.com/audley_Harrisonwww.twitter.com/tgalaxxywarrior andwww.twitter.com/HarryKingKhan, follow the conversation using #KhanDiaz or become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/AmirKhanTheOfficialPage andwww.facebook.com/AnthonyOgogo.

CONTACTS:Ramiro Gonzalez/Monica Sears, Golden Boy Promotions: (213) 489-5631

Kelly Swanson/Lisa Milner, Swanson Communications: (202) 783-5500

Asif Vali/Tahir Khan, Khan Promotions: +44(0)1204535332

Amir Rashid, Khan Promotions: +44(0)7900184077

Duncan Ross, Wasserman Media Group/Ogogo:  +44 7887413891

Simon Bailey, Motorpoint Arena Sheffield: +44 1142565588

Richard Maynard, BoxNation: +44 7710323962

Media Credentials: accreditation@goldenstarmedia.com

While American veteran Tony Thompson was defeating David Price in Liverpool, Audley Harrison was in a packed London East End venue preparing to silence the critics and take his second Prizefighter trophy, becoming the first man ever to do so.

Back in the best shape of his life Harrison, 41, was clearly in formidable form in front of the sell-out crowd at Bethnal Green’, York Hall.  Harrison cruised to victory beating three opponents over three-minute rounds. On form from the start Harrison took just 33 seconds

to knock out Claus Bertino in his first bout of the evening. This set up a semi-final with Irishman Martin Rogan after he had stopped Albert Sosnowski in the third.Old scores were settled when Harrison dominated the re-match with Rogan. He controlled with his jab and counter-punching to win by a margin of 30-27.

The second semi-final had also gone to the judges and New Yorker Derric Rossy edged to victory against a strong starting Ian Lewison.

Harrison floored Rossy in the second round of the final, having taken control of the middle of the ring. Rossy, exhausted  after bouts with Travis Walker and Lewison,  was knocked out by a heavy left hand from Harrison.

It was Harrison’s night, back at his best he made history, and the journey of the Olympic Champion continues.

Harrison commented ’setbacks pave the way for comebacks; to come back and perform like this after the David Price defeat, shows how much I still desire to achieve my goals. Hopefully, I’ve created a little leverage and will get an opportunity to prove I’m a world class fighter who can perform on the big stage’.

I said I had prepared very well for this bout and it showed…I was in great shape and went out there with no fear, believing I could win it. I was really in the zone, didn’t get fazed by the crowd, or atmosphere and stay focused on the task. After 8 years, I finally had control of myself again.

My whole game plan was about avoiding his right, so to get lined up like that is a disappointment for me. Father time has caught up with me, as I didn’t see the initial shot, so could not react. He finished me off like a good pro, so I have no complaints. I have a broken nose for my troubles, so I didn’t get away Scott free.

I have said when I turn up to win, and lose to nothing other than ability, I will know my times is up, so this could be my last bout. I’ll take some time to think this out, as I never want to come back to boxing once I’ve walked away.

I started this journey as a nineteen year old juvenile tear-away, boxing at the Top hat social club in Ealing against a policeman Tony Wildgoose winning by 2nd round stoppage…if it’s to end here, what a ride it’s been and I’m grateful to the universe for allowing me to find my destiny and walk the precarious road my way.

Keep dreaming, keep believing and never give up.

I’ve under performed on occasions as a professional and have put in sub par performances when I needed to sparkle.  The excuses don’t matter, but the fact that I stayed in the game and never gave up on myself, allowed me to get to where I am today.

Winning the gold in Sydney wasn’t about the medal (I knew, felt I could win,) it was about separating myself from the pack and showing how superior I was. As a professional, I really under estimated how much the boxing establishment would be against my radical plans, so much of my energies was spent on defending my pathway, and my boxing performances suffered as a result. I was doing enough to win and learning my craft, but with all the hype and pressure on me to fail, those performances were not good enough…I needed to sparkle in every fight.

The Richel Hersia bout  (2004) was the first time as a professional, I 100% committed to a contest, as I wanted to show my superiority and separate myself from the pack once more…showing I really was a contender for a world title.

Unfortunately for me, the damage over the previous 3 years was done! Although I was having negotiations with Peter Salmon and Dominic Coles at BBC, the only way the BBC would stay in boxing, was if I gave up my right to be my own promoter on the Network.  In my naivety, I thought the performance was so good, it would seal the deal, but it was not to be. I refused to give up A Force, no matter what the consequences, so they closed me down.

Losing that contract in 2004 truly broke my heart…my love affair with boxing was over. I lost the will to compete, lost the will to fight, lost the will to live in the England any longer. Ultimately, after the anger, frustration and playing the victim and moping around, I began to reflect on the situation and surmised that God (the universe) was using the BBC executives, the boxing promoters and negative media attacks, as a lesson for me to learn from and it was time to fix my life and find some balance…life couldn’t be all about power and control. So really, I owe my detractors and the BBC executives a big Thank You J

Sheeeezz; I didn’t want to be the next Don King anyway!

I didn’t realize then, (but do now), that in a messed up kind of way, Peter and Dominic were trying to get me back to focusing on just being a world class athlete, putting all my efforts into being the best fighter I can be. My attitude 10 years ago, was take back no talk, take no prisoners, so I was never going to humble myself and accept such a proposal.

So boxing on the BBC ended, and so did my passion for the sport. I left England, broken, disillusioned and dejected.

I’ve been on a long tough journey to reach where I am today. Mature, honest, loving and proud of who and what I am. I let the go the anger, accepted responsibility for where I was in my life and owned it. How could I really be champion of the world, when I wasn’t even champion of myself…I had real work to do.

I stopped abusing the people who loved me most; I stopped manipulating people, and I started to truly love and accept whom I really was. I slowly started making internal changes and so began the transformation.

Boxing had to take a back seat while I was re discovering whom I was and you saw with Danny Williams 1…the fire and spirit for the fight game was done. I had built up a fortress of confidence, brashness and attitude that all came crumbling down when I lost the BBC deal; and here I was about to face my archrival and I was full of fear. I hadn’t felt this way since facing Danny Watts in 1996, so losing control of myself and experiencing fear, was a total capitulation from what I had become used to.

For me, fear is a symptom of under preparation; it’s a reaction from your psychological synapses, telling your brain receptors that the threat in front of you is real and you are under prepared to deal with the task.

After Danny Watts, I saw a sports psychologist on a few occasions and he helped me see that my problems would manifest if my preparations were suspect. I needed to have an organized way in how I viewed competition and in how I trained…and so began my journey of mental preparation. Combined with my god given talents, I put in real hard work, became intensely focused and with lots of attitude, I turned myself into a formidable machine.

That machine didn’t care about feelings, didn’t care who I hurt along the way, didn’t care how many people I would need to walk over to achieve my goals. Like the Scarface movie, the world was my oyster and dare anyone get in my way.

There is a saying I like which goes ‘ want to make god laugh, tell him your plans’ well my plans were heading for the scrap heap and A Force Promotions was about to bite the dust.

I’ve slowly over the last eight years, fixed up my life; no more playboy lifestyle, no more master manipulator, no more trying to control the universe…I let the universe take care of itself and I tried to take care of me.

Meeting Raychel, who would become my wife and having a daughter is my real purpose in life, no doubt about it…this would never have been realized, had I stayed in England as the big kingpin, so everything happens for a reason.

The flip side of this transformation was I needed to re program how I motivated myself for boxing and this has been a tough and long journey. Beforehand, even if I wasn’t 100%, I had the arrogance to pull it out, so I always relied on that, but now, if I lived a lie in camp, I couldn’t fake it in the ring…as was seen in the Haye fight.

Once I became emotional about the BBC drama, it opened up emotions I had suppressed for so long and fear and doubt entered my mindset. I now understood why people choked, or was unable to perform like they did in training. I used to have no respect for athletes who choked, so I was getting a lesson from the universe and boy was it karma!

I had to start all over again, learning the fundamentals of mental preparation and like a child; I had to take one step at a time.

I suppose after the Haye fiasco, most people thought they would have seen the last of me, so I really had to think about three things before I came back:

1. Would my pec heal?

2. Would I find an opportunity?

3. Did I have enough passion, motivation left to train like a champion?

I prayed and took 2011 off to let me Pec heal and got the opportunity to do BBC Strictly Come Dancing, which was ironic considering how our relationship ended…all part of the journey I thought, so I accepted and made the most if it.

It turned out better than expected and I had a good run on the show.

In 2012, I decided to give boxing one last shot, and found an opportunity to come back. I began training and had to overcome a young brash fighter with no TV, and not much fanfare.  No mainstream press was in attendance, and most speculated this would be my last fight, as I would likely lose.

Coming through that test, with not ideal preparation, has helped with my confidence…it forced me to accept that I’m not perfect, and it’s ok, ‘you are still good enough to win’. Going through that helped renew my passion…coming to London for the Olympics was great also, being amongst world class athletes, who gave their everything to make the games and win a medal, made me see how far I had gone away from being a world-class athlete. They all had the ‘eye of the tiger’ and it was the final lesson I needed to awaken my passion for boxing again.

So here I am today…wiser, smarter and renewed in spirit to finish my journey. My beautiful wife and daughter are my strength…the lessons I’ve had to learn is my fire and fuel.

It’s going to take something special to beat David Price; I know I cannot be average.

If I prepare like a champion, I will feel like a champion; if I feel like a champion, I will fight like a champion.

I’ve tested myself in this camp, really pushed myself to the limits. I have retained the best sparring partners, guys who were all unbeaten, hungry, with a point to prove. Deontay Wilder, Joe Hanks, Malik Scott and Razvan Cojanu, I salute you and wish you the best in your careers.

I also want to thank my team, who have pushed me to great heights in this training camp, along with my medical team who helped repair me when I’ve broken down…it’s been one of the best, so I’m grateful to you all for playing a part in my camp and helping me climb that mountain.

Finally, I want to thank my wife Raychel for loving me, understanding me and sticking with me when many gave up on me…for you, for our daughter Ariella, I will strive to finish my boxing journey with glory ringing in my ears.

I’m truly grateful to the universe for the lessons I‘ve had to learn, so big up to #Godpower each and every time.

Win, lose, or draw #2012Redemption will be complete, as I am coming to the party ready to give 100% and that’s all I can ask of myself.

My career has had tremendous highs and incredible lows, and I’ve ridden my ship as best as I can. I’ve looked great in some bouts, under performed in others, and didn’t show up on a few occasions which really hurt my reputation. Ultimately, I had the spirit and tenacity to not give up, dust myself off and give it another go…life is what you make it and from my humble beginnings to where I’ve been on my journey, I can truly count my blessings.

My career was not supposed to filter out off television, so I’ve got myself back to where I belong, which is an accomplishment in itself. I’m not sure of the outcome on October 13th, but I can promise the public, that win, lose or draw, I’ll be giving it my all and in victory or defeat, that’s all we can ask of ourselves.

Audley A Force Harrison

The fight represents both Price’s first defence of the British and Commonwealth titles won against Sam Sexton in May and potentially the most difficult challenge of his career, but if the 2008 Olympic bronze medallist admits that Harrison was once an inspirational figure then his admission that he has no intention of emulating the latter’s career in the pro ranks underlines the admirable ambition he has.

The juxtaposition of Price’s bronze at Beijing 2008 proving only the start of a considerably promising career alongside the deceptive peak of Harrison’s with gold in Sydney 12 years ago particularly highlights the difference in hunger between the two and it is this Price admits he believes will give him the edge.

“Audley was an inspiration to me when I was younger, someone our amateur squad always looked up,” said Price. “He called me before Beijing to offer advice, which I’m grateful for, but he’s still getting flattened.”
“I’m surprised Audley hasn’t achieved more and it’s a shame he hasn’t because he has the talent,” Price said.
“He more or less wrote the book on what not to do when he turned professional.
“He took too much on like promoting and managing rather than concentrating on what he’s good at.
“I’ve looked at what he did and told myself I’d do it like this instead.
“I’ve got a massive hunger to succeed which Audley didn’t. He was a superstar as soon as he turned professional, I haven’t been, I’ve had to work for it.”
“I never thought I’d fight Audley because when I was growing up on the GB team everyone looked up to him.
“That was especially the case for me because I was a super-heavyweight and he won an Olympic gold.
“He was bit of an inspiration and I’m not afraid to admit that.
“I looked up to him and he called me before Beijing to give me some advice.
“I have 100 per cent respect for him and I’ve never been one to call him ‘Fraudley’ or ‘Ordinary’.
“But come fight night I’ll be there to do a job. Domestically I’m like a runaway train that won’t be stopped. Anyone who does get in the way will be run over.”

Harrison’s last big fight was his third round stoppage defeat to David Haye for the WBA heavyweight title in November 2010 when he produced a career-worst performance but he has already vowed to improve upon that for this fight and Price admits he expects him to be a threat.

“It’s a big fight between two massive heavyweights,” Price said.
“One’s a big name in the UK whereas I’m coming through like a steam train, getting rid of people in my way.
“People are judging him on the David Haye fight and fair enough because he stunk the place out.
“But anyone who can hit as hard as him is dangerous.”
Though not uncharacteristic of Harrison before any fight, the former European heavyweight champion added that he could be relied upon to perform.
He said: “On a few occasions I haven’t shown up which has really hurt my reputation, but I will show up in Liverpool.”

May 28, 2012

Audley Harrison has announced he is seeking endorsement from the British Boxing Board of Control, to be the next challenger for the British Heavyweight Title.

Fresh from his clinical 4^th round dismantling of Ali Adams to become International Masters Champion, Audley expressed his excitement and determination to get back to training and plans to resume training as soon as he arrives home in California later this week.

Harrison commented ‘I know after the Haye fight people didn’t expect to see me anywhere near a ring again, but I really enjoyed myself on Saturday night. The place was packed and to have most of the crowd cheering and applauding my finish, made me feel great’.

‘It took strength of character and belief in myself to not throw in the towel and call it a day; I proved to myself I still want to be a prizefighter. The explosive way I finished off Ali Adams, would be a handful for any heavyweight and I’m looking forward to building from this performance and getting myself back into the mix’.

Unfortunately, Harrison picked up an injury to his left shoulder, which will require a scan to see if any permanent damage.  Harrison heads to Manchester this morning to see his consultant. ‘Hopefully it’s just a strain and I’ll be ready to go again in July,’ commented Harrison.

‘Tyson Fury and David Price are both doing great, beating who they have in front of them and doing it in exciting fashion. If they are not prepared to fight each other, the only other logical fight to be made is against me. If Sky Sports, or Channel 5 accepts anyone else, I think the boxing public and casual sporting fan will be genuinely disappointed. Additionally, I cannot see any other boxer who the Boxing Board can nominate for the British Title other than myself and I’ll be making my case this week’.

Harrison continued, ‘I need a test to see what I have left and they need a test to see if they are ready to move onto bigger and better things. A crossroads fight with everything to fight for will capture the public’s imagination.  Win, lose, or draw; I’m leaving everything I have in the ring.

Both Frank Maloney and Mick Hennessey know how to contact me…’

The 40-year-old former Olympic champion inflicted a fourth-round stoppage on Adams at the Brentwood Centre in Essex.

Read the BBC Report Here