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bob_bask · 05-19-2010, 02:54 PM

Harrison delivers blow to King

Olympic super-heavyweight champion Audley Harrison has told American boxing promoter Don King he will begin his professional career in England.

King, the self-styled master promoter of the heavyweight division, previously urged Harrison to begin a world title assault in America.

But the Londoner, who won gold at the Sydney Olympics, has maintained his plans to stay closer to home.

King was confident he could tempt Harrison into his stable.

Harrison said: "I have received a number of offers, and they have not just been from American promoters like Don King. America seem to want me to begin my professional career over there, and I think they will make a big play for my services. Although I will be visiting America a few times before the turn of the year, I am going to stick by my original decision and fight in England."

"There are large sums of money being talked about, but I must remain focused and not get distracted by these ridiculous offers. But it's very hard when I've been a pauper amateur for so long."

Harrison believes rejecting an offer from King will not hamper his career and he has predicted a world title in four years time.

He said: "It is about choosing the right pathway and ensuring you reach the pinnacle of your career in the quickest time possible. I do not want to hold myself back too long and realise every so often I will have to fight over there. I have a lot of work to do if I am going to fight for a world title by the time I am 33 but I believe I have the talent to compete with the best."

05-19-2010, 02:54 PM	#11
bob_bask Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 3,387	Harrison delivers blow to King Olympic super-heavyweight champion Audley Harrison has told American boxing promoter Don King he will begin his professional career in England. King, the self-styled master promoter of the heavyweight division, previously urged Harrison to begin a world title assault in America. But the Londoner, who won gold at the Sydney Olympics, has maintained his plans to stay closer to home. King was confident he could tempt Harrison into his stable. Harrison said: "I have received a number of offers, and they have not just been from American promoters like Don King. America seem to want me to begin my professional career over there, and I think they will make a big play for my services. Although I will be visiting America a few times before the turn of the year, I am going to stick by my original decision and fight in England." "There are large sums of money being talked about, but I must remain focused and not get distracted by these ridiculous offers. But it's very hard when I've been a pauper amateur for so long." Harrison believes rejecting an offer from King will not hamper his career and he has predicted a world title in four years time. He said: "It is about choosing the right pathway and ensuring you reach the pinnacle of your career in the quickest time possible. I do not want to hold myself back too long and realise every so often I will have to fight over there. I have a lot of work to do if I am going to fight for a world title by the time I am 33 but I believe I have the talent to compete with the best."