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bob_bask · 05-19-2010, 01:14 PM

Audley plays it cool

Life hasn't quite been the same for British boxer Audley Harrison since he picked up gold at the Sydney Olympics. That success coupled with the endearing personality of the big man has catapulted Harrison into the hearts of the British sporting public and seen his profile rise rapidly.

"I think the country has really tuned into the Olympics and I feel like I've become an adopted family member of everyone in Britain," he says.

Fans have flocked for his signature but they are not the only people pandering for Harrison to put pen to paper. Promoters on either side of the Atlantic are awaiting his first step on to the professional stage. And the move into the professional arena is not one that holds any fears for the East Londoner.

"I've been in a pro gym for the last 12 months sparring with a professional so I'm going to be looking forward to it. It's not that much of a big step up really, but obviously you've got to walk before you can run and in between that you've got a transitional period. I've done that, I've been in a pro gym for the last 12 months sparring with a professional so I'm going to be looking forward to it."

The arrival of a character such as Audley Harrison on the heavyweight scene could be just what the division requires. After numerous controversial, and in some instances farcical fights, heavyweight boxing has unsurprisingly had more than its fair share of critics although Harrison is not among them.

"I think it's (the heavyweight division) in a healthy state. The bottom line is that in the Golota-Tyson fight, Tyson behaved himself and Golota did what he has done in previous fights and jumped out when the going got tough. So there were no real surprises for me there. There have been some good heavyweight match-ups."

The questions that everyone wants answered are those about his professional career.

Who is going to manage him, where will he be based, when will his first fight be, how much money has he been offered and when will he make the announcement?

Loosely, the plan is for the 28-year-old to have his first fight in the early part of 2001. By then, he will have accepted one of the numerous offers he has received. It is already common knowledge that world heavyweight champions Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield have been in touch, as has ring legend Sugar Ray Leonard.

He aims to attend Lewis' next fight in November and discuss opportunities at that time.

"I know there's going to be a lot of potential to earn lots of money but I've always said it's not about money. It's been about achieving my goal. I've got to get the hand fixed and then sit down and negotiate with the professional promoters. That's a new mountain. I'm still on this one. I haven't rolled down the other side yet."

The search is also on for a new trainer, with rules prohibiting him from taking an amateur coach into the professional ranks.

For those wondering what sort of style one may expect from the big southpaw, it is interesting to note that Harrison's top choice is defensive specialist George Benton, a man once responsible for Holyfield's development.

Only time will tell whether Britain will be blessed to have him as their next world heavyweight champion.

05-19-2010, 01:14 PM	#10
bob_bask Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3,387	Audley plays it cool Life hasn't quite been the same for British boxer Audley Harrison since he picked up gold at the Sydney Olympics. That success coupled with the endearing personality of the big man has catapulted Harrison into the hearts of the British sporting public and seen his profile rise rapidly. "I think the country has really tuned into the Olympics and I feel like I've become an adopted family member of everyone in Britain," he says. Fans have flocked for his signature but they are not the only people pandering for Harrison to put pen to paper. Promoters on either side of the Atlantic are awaiting his first step on to the professional stage. And the move into the professional arena is not one that holds any fears for the East Londoner. "I've been in a pro gym for the last 12 months sparring with a professional so I'm going to be looking forward to it. It's not that much of a big step up really, but obviously you've got to walk before you can run and in between that you've got a transitional period. I've done that, I've been in a pro gym for the last 12 months sparring with a professional so I'm going to be looking forward to it." The arrival of a character such as Audley Harrison on the heavyweight scene could be just what the division requires. After numerous controversial, and in some instances farcical fights, heavyweight boxing has unsurprisingly had more than its fair share of critics although Harrison is not among them. "I think it's (the heavyweight division) in a healthy state. The bottom line is that in the Golota-Tyson fight, Tyson behaved himself and Golota did what he has done in previous fights and jumped out when the going got tough. So there were no real surprises for me there. There have been some good heavyweight match-ups." The questions that everyone wants answered are those about his professional career. Who is going to manage him, where will he be based, when will his first fight be, how much money has he been offered and when will he make the announcement? Loosely, the plan is for the 28-year-old to have his first fight in the early part of 2001. By then, he will have accepted one of the numerous offers he has received. It is already common knowledge that world heavyweight champions Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield have been in touch, as has ring legend Sugar Ray Leonard. He aims to attend Lewis' next fight in November and discuss opportunities at that time. "I know there's going to be a lot of potential to earn lots of money but I've always said it's not about money. It's been about achieving my goal. I've got to get the hand fixed and then sit down and negotiate with the professional promoters. That's a new mountain. I'm still on this one. I haven't rolled down the other side yet." The search is also on for a new trainer, with rules prohibiting him from taking an amateur coach into the professional ranks. For those wondering what sort of style one may expect from the big southpaw, it is interesting to note that Harrison's top choice is defensive specialist George Benton, a man once responsible for Holyfield's development. Only time will tell whether Britain will be blessed to have him as their next world heavyweight champion.