Audley Harrison: Ground Zero

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Harrison defeats Boswell

Audley Harrison claimed his third successive professional win in a row, with a points win over American Cedric Boswell in their heavyweight fight.

The fight which sprang into life from the get-go, had both boxers trading punches as they went in search of a knockout blow, the crowd at South Africa's Carnival City getting a contest they were not expecting and were on their feet several times to show their appreciation.

Harrison got the win following a split decision - scored 59-55, 58-57 by two judges.

Boswell, however, was deemed the victor by one judge - giving him the edge 58-57 but to no avail.

For Harrison, in only his third professional fight, it was the closest he has come to his first defeat, but arguably the toughest challenge of his pro career.

"It was a tough fight," said Harrison. "I have no excuses, I didn't box great but it was a split decision.

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Lewis suffers shock Defeat

Hasim Rahman shocked the boxing world by knocking out world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis in five rounds.

The American floored Lewis with a huge right hand and the Briton never seemed like beating the count. Rahman, a virtual unknown before this bout, takes Lewis' World Boxing Council and International Boxing Federation heavyweight titles.

The result ranks as the biggest upset in the heavyweight division since Buster Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson in 1990.

Despite suffering only his second professional defeat, Lewis was in philosophical mood immediately after the fight - and was already looking ahead to a rematch.

"I can't believe that," he said. "He caught me with a good shot. But I felt fine afterwards. The rematch will be as soon as possible. I felt fine in there. This is what happens in heavyweight boxing - you get hit with a good shot, you go down. If you don't beat the count, that's it - fight stopped."

The world of boxing may have been stunned by the result but Rahman himself was not surprised.

"I told you all I was confident," he said. "I kept my prayers going and did all my training. And I came up with one punch...one punch. I felt that the longer the fight went on I would have a chance. There can be no excuses from him."

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Lewis re-match on, says Maloney

Lennox Lewis' manager Frank Maloney has insisted that Lennox Lewis will get the chance to win back his world titles this summer.

Maloney dismissed reports that new WBC and IBF heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman would prefer to fight Mike Tyson first.

"I'm very confident that the re-match will happen, and HBO have pencilled in a date of 18 August," he said. "Lennox wants to get back in there, to correct what went wrong on that night - and the sooner the better. There is a contract in place, and in the contract it says the fight must take place within 150 days. I'm confident that contract will be held up, and so is American television, and so are all the people involved with Lewis. The next stage is to negotiate the involvement of everyone in the fight, and to get a site and to get the fight on."

Maloney admitted that the crucial re-match clause had not been a part of all Lewis' fights as world champion.

"I wouldn't say there's an automatic re-match clause in every contract, because we've never needed it before," he said.

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Lewis sets sights on rematch

Former world champion Lennox Lewis has insisted he will avenge his shock defeat by Hasim Rahman. Moments after being floored by the challenger, Lewis was back on his feet and looking towards an immediate rematch. But the Briton may not get the chance to reclaim his belts.

The Rahman camp hinted they are now looking towards the biggest name in the heavyweight division - Mike Tyson.

The Rahman fight was perceived by most boxing experts as just another step towards the long-awaited clash between Lewis and former champion Tyson. But Rahman has spoiled the script - as he was quick to point out.

"No Lewis-Tyson! No Lewis-Tyson!" Rahman, who is suddenly in line for a big payday of his own, yelled in the ring after the fight.

Rahman's manager, Stan Hoffman, when asked about a possible fight against Tyson, Hoffman said: "All along, Tyson has said 'Lennox Lewis, Lennox Lewis', so does he want to fight us now?"

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Tyson ready for Rahman rumble

Mike Tyson has confirmed that he is ready and willing to face new world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman.

The former world champion has confirmed his desire to face his fellow American who took the titles from Lennox Lewis in South Africa.

"I would like to congratulate Hasim Rahman on becoming the heavyweight champion of the world last night," Tyson said. "Mr. Rahman displayed the courage of a true champion and prepared very well for his fight against Lennox Lewis. I also accept his challenge and will fight him anywhere to make my dream of regaining the undisputed heavyweight championship a reality. I would be thrilled to become the heavyweight champion again, fifteen years after I was crowned the first time."

It is the opinion of many boxing experts that Rahman will fight Tyson before taking rematch with former champion Lewis.

The only stumbling block to making a fight between Rahman and Tyson at this stage was the latter's agreement to fight David Izon on 2 June in Washington. However the former champion says he does not intend to fight Izon and wants a chance to win back his world title.

When asked about the Izon clash, scheduled for 2 June, Tyson said, "I don't think that fight's going to happen. I want to fight Rahman for the title. I'm going to be champion of the world again."

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King: Lewis is not finished

Don King said Lennox Lewis has not been frozen out of the heavyweight boxing scene. King said all Lewis had to do was negotiate a deal for a re-match with heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman.

Rahman signed a multi-million pound deal to team up with promoter Don King on Friday and ditch Cedric Kushner.

It is a move which makes it extremely difficult for Lewis, and former world champion Mike Tyson to have a shot at the world title.

But King told reporters, "Lewis is not finished. We will give him the opportunity to fight Rahman. All Lewis has to do is call me and sign and he'll have the fight."

Although Lewis had a 150-day rematch clause inserted into the contract for his surprise fifth-round loss to Rahman in April, the newly crowned champion's first defence has been confirmed against little-known Dane Brian Nielsen in August.

It is taking place in Beijing, China, on the same card as a WBA title fight between John Ruiz and Evander Holyfield - both of whom are controlled by King.

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Tyson courts Rahman clash

Mike Tyson has filed a lawsuit in a bid to challenge world boxing champion Hasim Rahman, the man who beat Britain's Lennox Lewis. The American fighter launched the legal fight at a US district court in Manhattan.

Underdog Rahman sensationally knocked out Lewis in the fifth round of their clash in South Africa on 21 April to claim the WBC and IBF heavyweight titles.

Lewis says Rahman is legally obliged to provide him with a quick rematch, but Tyson wants to fight the new champion first.

"The action I took today was not something that I wanted to do, but needed to do," Tyson said in a statement. "There are people trying to abuse the system to prevent me from an opportunity to fight the new heavyweight champion."

There was a rematch clause in the Rahman-Lewis contract. And Lewis contends Rahman should fight no-one else before he fights him.

"I have nothing but respect for Mr. Rahman and his recent accomplishments," said Tyson. "He has publicly stated that he wants to fight me next. Rahman versus Tyson is the fight the public most wants to see. I hope this helps clear the path for us to meet very soon."

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Lewis confident of legal victory

Lennox Lewis returned to a federal court in New York in an attempt to win the right for an immediate rematch with Hasim Rahman.

The former heavyweight champion, who lost his WBC and IBF titles to Rahman in April when the two squared off in South Africa, argued he should face the new title holder in the American's first defence.

Lewis and his lawyers claim the contract he and Rahman signed before the first fight specified that Lewis had to be given that defence rather than the one arranged against Nigerian David Izon in China later this summer.

"I have a strong case," said Lewis. "I feel great about everything. There is no question that Hasim Rahman and Lennox Lewis want to fight. I don't think there should be a problem. I feel very confident."

Rahman contended in the trial that he was a "free agent" and was allowed to box Izon since he claims his contract with original promoter Cedric Kushner expired last October.

The American is now promoted by Don King, who set up his defence in Beijing against Izon.

Kushner, however, is suing King after accusing him of meddling with his contract with Rahman.

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Harrison to make US debut

British Heavyweight Audley Harrison will face American Talmadge Griffis on the undercard of Oscar De La Hoya's return to the ring against Javier Castillejo at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas on 23 June.

Griffis has eighteen victories, one loss and two draws. Thirteen victories by way of knockout.

Emanuel Steward, who in recent times has seen two of his fighters lose, was confident of Harrison's chances in the upcoming bout.

"Audley is doing things most professionals in his position aren't doing until after eighteen months. He's seeking out seasoned pro's, going the distance and learning his trade. If you look at previous heavyweight champions, how many go more than one round in their first dozen fights? I expect a tough contest, even close, but Audley to use what he's been learning in the gym and come out with the victory."

With regards to potential opponents on the domestic scene, notable Danny Williams. Harrison had this to say,

"It's funny that Danny Williams is calling me out, as I've only had three fights. At this stage in his career he was facing guys like James Wilder with records like three wins, forty-eight losses and a draw. I've watched some tapes of Danny and he does a lot of good things, but he also does a lot of bad things. He wants to latch on to me and it's a unique situation that someone with three fights is being challenged by every fighter. I'm something of a phenomenon."

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Harrison floors Griffis on way to Victory

Top British prospect Audley Harrison continued his winning streak last night with an unanimous decision victory against American opponent Talmadge Griffis, to extend his professional record to 4-0-0.

Harrison immediately took the fight to his opponent and was comfortable from the off, landing a telling uppercut towards the end of the round, which seemingly had Griffis out on his legs.

However Griffis came out in the second, and despite suffering a cut on his left brow, used his experience to out hussle Harrison. By the end of the third it seemed the American had gained a slight edge in the fight.

In the fourth, it seemed much of the same, with Griffis taking the fight inside to Harrison. At the midway point of the round Griffis landed a huge hook, shaking Harrison up, but in the next exchange Harrison found Griffis' temple with a short uppercut - putting Griffis on the canvas, who managed to climb to his feet at the count of eight.

From that point on the fight swung in Harrison's favour, with Griffis being shut-out of the contest.

In his post-fight interview, Harrison who had invited former heavyweight champion Frank Bruno into the ring, was asked about his time in America,

"My time in the US has been unbelievable and given me a whole new perspective. While I've been here, I've met so many top level operators. It is impossible not to learn with that level of fighters around you. Anyone who is serious about boxing must go to America because that is where the best fighters and trainers are. If you want to be the best, you have to mix with the best. I was hanging out with Oscar De la Hoya and others and they all respect me because they know I can be a champion of the future."

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Rahman ordered to fight Lewis

Earlier today a US District Court judge in New York declared Rahman must honour the re-match clause in his original contract with Lennox Lewis. Rahman has been ordered to fight Lewis within the next 18 months before he can defend his titles against anyone else.

Rahman upset Lewis in April in South Africa by knocking out the British fighter in five rounds.

King said he had made the $12.5 million offer on Monday and the Lewis camp was meeting to consider it on Tuesday. He said he had not heard an offer of more than $3m from Lewis.

King is currently promoting his 4 August card in Beijing, China, which features a third fight between World Boxing Association heavyweight champion John Ruiz and former champion Evander Holyfield.

Rahman was scheduled to make his first title defence on the card against David Izon but will still be going to China anyway as part of the broadcast team.

"I just want to fight Lewis and get it over with and move on to some better fights," said Rahman.

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Tyson fixes Danish date

Mike Tyson's fight against Denmark's Brian Nielsen in Copenhagen has been finalised. Danish promoter Mogens Palle confirmed on Thursday that the bout will definitely go ahead on 8 September.

He said, "I received the contract signed by Mike Tyson today."

Tyson has not fought since Andrew Golota took him two rounds in Michigan, USA, on 20 October and his last three fights have lasted a total of 10 minutes, 41 seconds.

Palle declined to comment on the financial details of the deal but said Tyson was the most expensive fighter he had ever promoted.

Danish newspaper Ekstrabladet claimed the former undisputed world champion would get about £4.1m ($5.97m). Nielsen, who has a 62-1 record against relatively low-grade opponents, is expected to earn £500,000 ($713,000) for the fight.

He was originally scheduled to meet WBC-IBF champion Hasim Rahman in China in August. But promoter Don King later chose Nigerian David Izon as Rahman's opponent in a bout that will no longer be going ahead, after Nielsen was dubbed "Danish pastry" by the media.

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Harrison-Sprott announced

Audley Harrison announced that his next step in his professional career, will be a eight round fight against Michael Sprott on July 28 at the Conference Centre, Wembley on the undercard of the Danny Williams-Julius Francis contest.

Sprott, at 6 foot is small for a heavyweight and gives away significant advantages to the naturally bigger Harrison. However with a professional record of fifteen wins and three losses, Sprott, the 6-1 underdog, feels he has enough ring generalship to test Harrison over the longer distance.

"I have the punching power to cause some damage," said the 26-year-old. "Audley is tall and has good hand speed for a big man but it doesn't faze me. I've met bigger fighters, like Timo Hoffman, the German who was 6ft 8ins tall and 19st. I was only 16st 4lbs but I beat him."

Harrison seemed to acknowledge Sprott's experience,

"I'm not going to underestimate him, there's no chance of that. He's had eighteen fights and has been in with some good boxers. I'm taking him very seriously and I expect to go the full eight rounds. He's going to come forward, throw a lot of punches and try and rough me up, so it's about using my skills and technique. Boxing's not a street fight, it's about skill and technique. I'm a boxer, an Olympic gold medallist, and that's who's turning up on the night." "

He went on with regards to a tilt at the British heavyweight title,

"I've given myself the goal of challenging for the Lonsdale belt no more than fifteen months from turning pro. I'm in my fifth month now, this fight will be my fifth in six months. So there's another nine months for me to fulfil my first goal, on my march to become the heavyweight champion of the world."

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Rahman stays with King

A judge has rejected promoter Cedric Kushner's claim for exclusive rights of world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman future fights. Kushner sued Rahman for breach of contract after he signed with rival promoter Don King for $5m (£3.3m).

Rahman's title-winning fight with Lennox Lewis in April was promoted by Kushner. At a non-jury trial earlier this month, Kushner's attorneys argued that a contract which expired in October guaranteed him the right to promote any rematch between Lewis and Rahman.

Kushner's men also claim Rahman's manager had agreed to a contract extension covering future fights. In a decision on Thursday, the judge agreed Kushner could collect at least a portion of the promotional fee for a rematch. But she also ruled Kushner had not proved Rahman's decision to join King violated an extension of their old contract.

Rahman's attorney, Michael Armstrong, said the ruling was a victory for his client.

"He's the champion and he wanted to be free of Kushner," said Armstrong.

Kushner's attorney, Richard Edlin, said his man could still make money off a King promoted rematch.

"In my view, he's working for us," Edlin said of King.

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Five in a Row for Harrison

In a one sided contest between Audley Harrison and fellow countryman Michael Sprott, Harrison was judged to have only lost one round, the second, on way to a unanimous points victory.

In what was Harrison's fifth professional contest, and his first over eight rounds, he established early on the pattern for the fight, working behind his jab and showing greater defensive skills than in past contests, Harrison dictated the tempo of the fight.

While Harrison put to rest the one previous criticism of him over stamina, he came under fire for a new wave of criticism, a lack of knockouts, seemingly no punching power to put away his opponents.

On his critics, Harrison said,

"I'm pretty philosophical about it. I'm not looking left and I'm not looking right, I'm just walking through the middle. When I'm finished, the critics won't have a voice. I will be one the best of my generation."

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Sweet revenge for Williams

Danny Williams gained revenge on veteran Julius Francis to retain his British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles at the Wembley Conference Centre.

The 28-year-old stopped Francis in the third round when a left upper-cut caught Francis full in the eye socket. Francis, 36, sank, clearly in pain, and was counted out by referee Micky Vann. The former champion was taken to hospital with his eye fully closed.

Although the ending may have been unsatisfactory, it was a deeply satisfying win for Williams, who lost his British and Commonwealth belts in a shock defeat by Francis two years ago.

Williams said, "I'm very happy to have successfully held my titles."

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Steward: Lewis is losing it

Lennox Lewis is "beginning to slip a bit" as age affects him more than it does other boxers, according to his trainer, Emanuel Steward.

The remarks were made in an interview when Steward was speaking of his other heavyweight, Audley Harrison.

"Everything is a little more different when you're 35." Steward continued, "At his age, he's beginning to slip a little bit. We'll probably see a little more of the decline in the coming years. Losing weight becomes a problem now because he's a big man. That's why he has to stay active."

Speaking of Harrison, Steward admitted that after several Sprott post-fight conversations, Harrison's next camp will focus on building up his power.

"Audley wants to stop his opponents. He sees heavyweight champions, past and present, they stop their guys, and he looks at himself, and think he's lacking something. Yet he wants to be tested, he wants to push himself, and he refuses to have easy fights. He wants to knockout guys that've never tasted the canvas, that's the type of fighter Audley is."

When pressed on the subject, Steward denied being concerned.

"All it means it that Audley will be putting 110% into his next camp. While it might not be apparent, Audley is a big hitter, we just need to continue sparring and refine some aspects to his game."

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Harrison to meet Francis

Alongside trainer Emanuel Steward, unbeaten prospect Audley Harrison confirmed his sixth professional fight will be against Julius Francis on the undercard of the Scott Harrison-Gary Thornhill contest at the M.E.N. Arena, Manchester on 15 September.

Francis who has been given permission to fight Harrison, despite being stopped in his challenge for the British title in his last outing, less than sixty days ago. The BBBofC put Francis through extensive medical tests after careful consideration of the circumstances.

Francis with a professional record of twenty-two wins and ten losses, stands at 6' 2" and has a reach of 79 inches. In his last fight he weighed in at 246lbs, this is the only area where he is expected to have an advantage, Harrison has remained stead fast at 245lbs since turning pro.

Bar the selection of opponent, more surprising for those in attendance, was the announcement that the bout would be scheduled for ten rounds. Harrison's first, and straight after his only eight round fight. When questioned on the logic, Harrison replied,

"Me and Manny spoke about it, and I wanted to push myself. I don't expect it to go the distance, but I'm prepared if it does. I fully expect to stop Francis at some point before the bell ever rings for the end of the tenth round."

Those more knowledgeable in attendance understood the silent gesture. The BBBofC require a boxer to have fought in a scheduled ten round contest before competing in a British title bout. Over to Danny Williams.

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Classy Harrison pummels Francis

Audley Harrison claimed victory with a unanimous points victory over Julius Francis at the M.E.N Arena last night.

Francis, who was stopped in the first round in his challenge for the British title, was dominated by his Olympic gold medallist opponent. Harrison scored multiple knock downs against Francis in the first, second round and ninth round whilst peppering him with damaging shots to remain unbeaten.

Harrison dominated all 12 rounds against his smaller opponent with his jab and agile movement, improving his career record to 6-0 with no knockouts to date.

Perhaps the only cause for concern for team Harrison is the cut suffered towards the end of round six to Harrison's left brow courtesy of Francis' head. Which was reopened in the seventh and deemed necessary for a break in the action, so that the ringside physican could examine the severity.

Trainer Emanuel Steward in his post-fight interview acknowledged the cut, "Well it wasn't from a legitimate punch, it was from a clash of heads. If they did stop the fight Audley would have still been the winner, but instead we saw a fantastic offensive defense display of boxing. He protected the cut and I don't think Francis landed a shot of any note in the last three rounds."

When asked how he felt Harrison was progressing, he replied "I'm delighted. Surprised, but delighted. He's coming along at a faster pace than I expected. You show him something and very quickly he understands and is able to implement it."

A defiant Harrison dismissed suggestions that his inability to stop Francis supported those who claim he has no power.

"I put him down three times. I didn't pat-pat-pat him. I out boxed him. I continously landed clean punches. I don't need to hope I can land one big punch to win it."

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Lewis closes on Rahman rematch

Lennox Lewis' hopes of avenging his shock defeat to Hasim Rahman are one step closer to being realised as both camps have agreed to a November re-match.

World heavyweight champion Rahman has agreed to meet the British boxer in Las Vegas on 10 or 17 November.

The Baltimore-based boxer told local reporters: "The deal is done and I'm satisfied."

Rahman's co-manager Steve Nelson claims his boxer will receive a minimum of $10m to defend his WBC-IBF heavyweight titles against the former champion.

The American took Lewis' belts with a dramatic fifth-round knockout on 22 April in South Africa.

Since then, Lewis has been to court in New York to enforce a re-match clause in the contract for the first bout.