Audley Harrison: Ground Zero

[bob_bask]

Nelson: Harrison will not be champ

Olympic hero Audley Harrison has been told he will not become world heavyweight champion.

The stark warning comes from compatriot Johnny Nelson, who comes off a successful defence of his WBO world cruiserweight title against Brazilian George Arias early this month.

"Harrison is about to enter a different league," warned Nelson. "I rate him as an amateur, especially after winning a gold medal, but the professional game is a very, very tough one. I think he will be found out. He is 29 and he cannot take any short cuts to the top. You can't knock his amateur record, but this is a different level. I do not believe he will make it."

Harrison, who has signed a non-exclusive two-year deal with Heavyweight Champion Lennox Lewis, is due to make his professional debut later this month, under the watchful eye of newly appointed trainer Emanuel Steward.

Nelson managed only three victories in 13 amateur fights, but has won 38 of his 51 paid contests and expressed his concerns for the future of Harrison's training team.

"Most of the previous heavy and super-heavyweight Olympic gold medallists have gone on to fight for the world championship," Nelson added. "So anyone falling short will be tainted. Audley can come to Sheffield and spar with me if he wants to. But when he does box as a pro, who can he box in this country who would not be a risk? People who know about boxing will know that he can't make that big leap."

[dragon29]

This is really cool bob_bask!

I enjoy the depth a lot and your story telling abilites are very strong! Very creative idea, as well.

Will you be using any real aspects from Harrison's career (aside from medal info) or is the sim based from the ground up?

[bob_bask]

Thanks dragon29 for the comments.

With regards to using real aspects from Harrison's career, to be honest it is almost a ground up simulation, but I no doubt will be unable to avoid certain characteristics of Harrison's career.

[bob_bask]

Harrison prepares for professional bow

Audley Harrison, Britain's next great boxing hope, is about to make his professional debut - against Harry Senior at York Hall.

The Olympic gold medallist will have a fifteen pound weight advantage when he meets his opponent. Harrison tipped the scales at 245lbs. The weigh-in, which was conducted at the Hilton London Kensington Hotel saw Senior, who at 6ft 3ins tall is two-and-a-half inches shorter than Harrison, weigh in at 230lbs.

Harrison's professional debut is scheduled for six rounds.

The London born Olympic champion insists that his decision to turn pro in such a blaze of glory is preparation for the days when he hopes he will be a headliner in the sport.

"I'm not turning professional for nothing," said the 29-year-old north Londoner. "This is all part of the process of learning. If boxing was easy everybody would be doing it. This is all preparing me for when I am fighting for the world heavyweight title."

[bob_bask]

Harrison win marred by controversy

Audley Harrison won his professional debut at York Hall with a unanimous decision victory over Harry Senior.

Senior was a game opponent, arguable winning the last two rounds when Harrison looked to have tired after some great exchanges in the six-round heavyweight encounter. Harrison took advantage of his greater size and reach to outbox his opponent and earn victory by 58 points to 56.

But the fight centred around a controversial sixth round. The Olympic champion appeared to have been hit by Senior with a body shot. The referee however, believing it was a low blow - stopped the fight and deducted one point from Senior.

The 29-year-old Londoner insisted he still has a long journey ahead of him.

"What the press have got to realise is that Audley Harrison is an Olympic champion and now a professional, but I've still got a lot to learn and it's going to take time." Harrison went on to say, "I felt good. I was doing what my corner wanted me to, popping the jab and the body shots were working," he said. "There's lots to take away and there's a long way to go, but so far, so good. I learned a lot. This is a big occasion for boxing and myself."

Senior's record drops to seven wins, ten defeats with one draw.

Harrison looked confident at his weight of 245lbs and certainly seems to have retained the speed and boxing skill that he showed at Sydney. The 29-year-old expects to fight again in the next month or so.

[bob_bask]

Hagler: Audley can be world champ

Hagler was a boxer from the old school, a gentleman out the ring who you'd find nastier than a wounded wasp if you crossed his path inside the ropes. Now a healthy-looking 47, and with no more hair on his head than during his early '80s peak, Hagler is happily retired in Italy.

"There's not much I would change," he says. "I had a beautiful career."

Three fights define Hagler the champion in the eyes of most critics - 27 September 1980, when he took the world belt from Britain's Alan Minter; 15 April 1985, when he destroyed Thomas 'The Hitman' Hearns in three rounds; and 6 April 1987, when he controversially lost his crown to Sugar Ray Leonard on a split decision and promptly retired.

Hagler remains a keen fan of the old art, and when asked his opinion on British hopeful Audley Harrison, he commented.

"I'm very impressed. The size of this guy means if you step in with him you're scared straight away. Harrison has got a great amateur background - and now can you imagine his professional career. If he's protected and they guide him in the right way, without pushing him too fast, there's no doubt about it - this guy can be heavyweight champion of the world."

[bob_bask]

Tyson publicist denies fight claim

The promoters of a proposed Mike Tyson bout in Malaysia have claimed he will fight in Kuala Lumpur - despite Tyson's publicist claiming no knowledge of the event. Local newspapers have reported plans to stage a fight between Tyson and WBC and IBF champion Lennox Lewis.

Promoters Promote Classic said of the proposed March 11 fight: "The fight is still on between Tyson and an unidentified contender. We have a letter of intent from Mike Tyson and are now going after (Lennox) Lewis," he added

But Tyson's spokesman, Adam Grant says he is unaware of any impending plans for the heavyweight to fight in Malaysia.

"If Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis were fighting each other, the world would know about it," Grant was quoted as saying by a Singaporean web-based newspaper.

Grant said Tyson had not signed to fight anyone, let alone Lewis.

[bob_bask]

Lewis lines up next fight

Lennox Lewis will meet either Hasim Rahman or David Izon on 21 April as he waits patiently for the fight he wants above all - a clash with Mike Tyson.

Announcing Lewis' latest bout, promoter Panos Eliades lamented the lack of top-class opposition for the world heavyweight champion.

Eliades, who also rubbished reports that Lewis was lined up to meet Tyson in Malaysia, said he was worried the British star would not achieve the status his achievements in the ring deserved.

"Lennox has been unlucky because the opposition isn't there to make him the great boxer he should be, when you get great boxers you get boxers in clusters. Lennox has not got anyone around." Eliades added,"He's dealt with (Evander) Holyfield twice and I don't think (Mike) Tyson would want to fight him. There's no-one else around. I don't think he (Lewis) will ever achieve that greatness because he hasn't got that opposition to prove himself to the world."

Eliades added that he fully expected Lewis to hold onto his WBA and IBF titles against either Rahman or Izon.

"Lennox is too good for either of them," he continued. "It's not going to be a close fight. Lennox is head and shoulders above everyone else in the division."

[Lee]

Great writeups Bob, very well done.

[bob_bask]

Lewis set for Rahman clash

Lennox Lewis will defend his world heavyweight boxing title against American Hasim Rahman, it has been reported.

The British champion was lined up for a bout with Mike Tyson, but Rahman's co-manager told the Washington Post on Saturday the clash had been finalised with his fighter. The fight looks set to take place in Las Vegas on 21 April.

"It's done. The fight is set," Steve Nelson said. "We're very relieved and very excited. Lewis' people called us on Thursday and we worked out what we needed to work out."

IBF and WBC champion Lewis has a record of 38 wins, one defeat and one draw while Rahman, the International Boxing Federation's fourth-ranked contender, is 34-2.

Meanwhile, Evander Holyfield has the World Boxing Association title and will defend it on 3 March against American John Ruiz.

[bob_bask]

Audley set for Second Test

Audley Harrison is set to face another demanding challenge against a British opponent in his second bout as a professional. The Olympic super heavyweight gold medallist will fight Craig Bowen-Price at the The Arena, Wembley on 3 March.

The 29-year-old, who was criticised after his sixth-round points victory over Harry Senior, for appearing to have a lack stamina, will be hoping that his next showing will quieten the doubters.

Blackpool-resident Bowen-Price has lost three of his last four professional fights - but is expected to provide Harrison with respectable opposition.

The 6ft 4in underdog previous fight was against current Commonwealth and British heavyweight champion Danny Williams. Bowen-Price was stopped in the first round. But Harrison believes Bowen-Price will be no pushover.

"Craig is definitely a durable fighter," Harrison said. "He comes to the ring with heart. He's coming with fighting spirit. I'm expecting to be tested."

Harrison's arrival in the professional ranks has created huge interest after his exploits in Sydney last summer, and he now has a route to the world title mapped out. He acknowledges that there is still a long way to go before he can consider competing for a world title.

"Heavyweights mature later. I did believe my talent will take me to the world heavyweight championship of the world in three or four year's time. That's a realistic goal for an Olympic champion who stays dedicated and has a good team around him. But I've got a great team around me. I've got one of the greatest trainers of all-time, I've got the heavyweight champion supporting me, and I've got a tough, but do-able gameplan. Three or four years, maybe even two to three years and I'll be ready to take on anybody."

[bob_bask]

Steward expects a Scrap

Audley Harrison's trainer Emanuel Steward believes that even at this stage, Harrison has a lot to lose.

"Anything can happen in boxing as we've seen before," he said. "It's not a foregone conclusion. Although Price is obviously the underdog, as I've said, anything can happen and the whole situation can be derailed. One right hand from Mr Price can end it all. This is a real fight. Price comes to the table with ambition and endeavour and true spirit. I've seen him fight a couple of times and every time I've seen him fight, he's been a capable boxer."

Bowen-Price agrees with that assessment.

"He's an Olympic champion and it's a great opportunity for me to show what I've got. There's no doubt in my mind that I'm capable of beating him."

But Audley had the final word.

"He believes he can win. I question that, but I think it's going to be interesting - while it lasts."

[bob_bask]

South Africa to stage Lewis bout

World heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis's next title fight will be in South Africa, his camp have confirmed. Lewis's manager Frank Maloney told BBC Five Live the bout with American Hasim Rahman on 21 April would be staged at Carnival City, near Johannesburg.

"I visited the site last week and the facilities look fantastic. They were really first class," Maloney explained. "The only difficulty is that the venue is 1,000ft above sea level, so we will have to move the team out there at least four weeks before the fight to acclimatise," he said. The fight will be at night to accommodate US television, he added.

Lewis had breakfast with former president Nelson Mandela in London in 1999 and his business manager Adrian Ogun said they had stayed in touch.

"President Mandela requested for Lennox to come over to South Africa and Lennox made a pledge. It's been a long time coming but Lennox is delighted to fulfil that promise."

Berman said that he hoped Mandela, a boxer in his youth and keen fan, would be at ringside for the fight.

[bob_bask]

Lewis set for Eliades fight

Lennox Lewis faces a legal fight with his former promoter Panos Eliades ahead of his title bout with Hasim Rahman in Johannesburg. Team Lewis were quick to respond to claims from Eliades that he is owed millions of dollars by the British boxer.

In a statement, they asserted Eliades would have no role in any future Lewis bouts.
They have also lodged a complaint with the British Boxing Board of Control alleging misconduct by Eliades arising from a breach of the board's rules.

"Panos Eliades has no right to hold himself out as promoting any future Lennox Lewis bouts or representing Lennox Lewis in any capacity whatsoever," said a statement from Lewis's camp.

But the promoter is determined to hang on to what he believes is rightfully his, and has made it clear he will not be going quietly.

"They cannot sack me. They are trying to get rid of me but they cannot sack me," said Eliades."When a man gets to the top money and power do funny things. Lennox feels he is in a position where he wants to manage and promote and doctor and do everything. He wants to do it all himself. I am under contract with them, so it is going to be a problem. It looks as if it is going legal. I gave him the crown and he has taken my head."

He continued, "Lennox has changed. He is not the man that you think he is. He is a difficult man. When he does not get his own way he does not like it, and I do not want to be associated with the type of man he has turned out to be. It is a shame."

Eliades' major gripe is that he is badly out of pocket after more than a decade of graft.

"I need to be rewarded for my hard work - 11 years of hard work. In 10 of those you break even, so just when you are about to make some money they don't want you any more. I am owed £1.7m at this moment in time. That is just what he owes me from the Frans Botha and Tua fights. I have not been paid for Tua yet. They have stopped my money for Tua."

However, Eliades says he will not accept the money outstanding as a final settlement because Lewis clearly has much more earning potential.

"If he fights Rahman and goes on to fight (Mike) Tyson I could receive substantial sums." he said. "Lewis has surrounded himself with 'yes men' who will not answer back and I have always told him how it is. I would think if he paid me $10m today I would walk away from him. But he will not pay me 10 cents. Lennox is not the type of man who wants to pay anything to anybody."

[bob_bask]

Harrison wins again

Audley Harrison convincingly won his second professional fight, winning by unanimous decision against Craig Bowen-Price in their heavyweight contest.

Harrison floored his opponent in the fifth with a barrage of punches as Bowen-Price took his foot off the gas against the OIympic super-heavyweight champion.

"I knew I was going to catch him. He came here with a good record and I stepped up to the plate," Harrison said. "You read the national press. Everyone said it was going to be my toughest fight, that I've got no stamina and I can't punch. Well, what are they going to say about that? I come from a good pedigree. Being an Olympic gold medallist - it does matter because I've got class."

The next fight for the Briton could take place in London.

"We're looking at a few venues. London's on the agenda - that's a possiblity but we've got another city that we might go to."

He added that he felt he was on course to claim the British title within 12 months.

"This time next year I'm going to be the British champion without a shadow of a doubt."

[bob_bask]

Ruiz shock for Holyfield

Johnny Ruiz became WBA heavyweight champion as he defeated Evander Holyfield on a unanimous points decision in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Ruiz had been struggling until he turned the fight around in the opening seconds of the 11th round. Having been cut on the forehead and under both eyes, Ruiz unleashed a right-hander that dumped 38-year-old Holyfield on to the canvas. Holyfield got to his feet, but was clearly struggling as he held onto Ruiz for the rest of the round.

All three judges gave the victory to Ruiz, scoring the fight 116-110, 115-111 and 114-111 in his favour respectively.

In a tight encounter Holyfield appeared to be on his way to winning, until a controversial call by referee Joe Cortez in the latter stages of the 10th round.

The four-time champion hit Ruiz with a two punch combination to put his man on the canvas. But the first punch was adjudged low, and whilst Ruiz was given valuable time to recover, Holyfield received a point deduction. And the tide of the fight changed in the next round as Ruiz fought back to floor Holyfield.

The bout was a rematch of a bout Holyfield won last August by a controversial unanimous decision.

After the fight Holyfield hit back at suggestions that he should retire.

"I was a four-time champion, and now it looks like I have to become a five-time champion. He cracked me with a good shot, and I didn't see it coming - it's a fact of life you can get cracked with good shots."

Ruiz though was delighted to have gained revenge.

"The last two rounds were mine, and that's what brought me this," he said. "I came and got what I wanted."

[bob_bask]

Williams looks to Harrison Fight

Danny Williams has it made clear that he will do what it takes to get Olympic champion Audley Harrison into the ring.

The reigning British Heavyweight champion has scheduled his next fight - his return to the ring since suffering a dislocated right shoulder when capturing the British crown from Mark Potter - for June.

"As soon as Harrison won the gold medal I expected the hype. I'm not disrespectful, but any time he wants it, I'm here," said Williams. "I knew I was going to be overshadowed by Audley but the fans know who is the better fighter. But I would jump in the air if Audley agreed to fight me tomorrow. I'd get everything I want - to become a household name, and to become very wealthy."

[bob_bask]

Harrison confirmed for Lewis undercard

Audley Harrison, the Olympic super-heavyweight champion, has announced his third professional fight will be on the undercard of the Lennox Lewis vs. Hasim Rahman title fight on 22 April in South Africa.

His opponent is undefeated American Cedric Boswell, who has a record of sixteen straight victories, twelve by way of knockout.

With trainer Emanuel Steward leading Lewis' camp, Harrison it is believed will train alongside Lewis, including participating in sparring sessions with the heavyweight champion.

[bob_bask]

Hamed beaten in Las Vegas

Naseem Hamed lost his unbeaten record after dropping a unanimous decision to Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera in Las Vegas.

The 27-year-old Sheffield man was outclassed for almost all twelve rounds at the MGM Grand in the casino capital of the world and now faces a career rethink. Hamed was repeatedly rocked and beaten to the punch by a man not previously considered a boxing stylist.

The fight was initially delayed when Hamed refused to leave his dressing room until a problem with his right glove was corrected. But both Hamed's hands were to be of little use to him as he struggled to come to terms with a fighter acknowledged to be the toughest he had ever faced.

Barrera and his trainer Ricardo Maldonado, who trained for seven weeks in the mountains at Big Bear in California, had clearly studied Hamed's technique, prepared a perfect game plan and stuck to it.

From the first bell he allowed Hamed to come forward, a stance he is not effective with, and picked him off with jabs and hooks.

The Mexican also stepped constantly to the left avoiding Hamed's best punch, and when he saw an opening he threw combinations which clearly alarmed Hamed.

Boxing pundit Roy Foreman said: "Tonight was Barrera's night. It was the night the 'Baby faced assassin' became a stone cold killer."

Afterwards, a humble Hamed thanked Allah for the fact that he came through the fight safely and gave "maximum respect" to his opponent.

Hamed and Barrera hugged afterwards and the Mexican said "Naseem Hamed was very strong he took my best punches."

Hamed said, "At the end of the day this is my first loss in 36 fights and I took it like a champion and I will be back."

[bob_bask]

Klitschko retains WBO title

Wladimir Klitschko stopped Derrick Jefferson in the second round to retain his WBO Heavyweight title.

The Ukrainian sent the American to the canvas three times and eventually dropped Jefferson with a straight right in the second round, catching the American on a swollen left eye. Jefferson had sustained the injury from the first round knock-down that may have already left him blinded on one side.

Known for his wild style, Jefferson charged out at the Ukrainian from the opening seconds. But it was clear the fight wasn't going to last long when he missed with a right which Klitschko punished him for.

The 1996 Olympic super heavyweight champion jarred Jefferson with a short left jab who went down with 30 seconds left in the first round. Jefferson struggled to his feet, but stumbled around wildly until Klitschko sent him back down and the fight was stopped.

"It went the way I wanted it to. I used his mistakes, that is what boxing is all about", said Klitschko, now 36-1 with 33 knockouts.

The 25-year-old said he hoped to fight Lennox Lewis - regarded by most as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

"If it's this year or next, I don't care. The most important thing is he doesn't retire", the Ukrainian said.

Klitschko won the lightly regarded WBO title in October by beating American Chris Byrd over 12 months ago.