Boxing Update: Audley Harrison decides to continue despite the defeat against David Haye
Heavyweight boxer Audley Harrison has decided to resume his career despite the major defeat he faced against David Haye in the WBA World Heavyweight Championship Title fight held in Manchester on the 13th of November.
The 39-year-old had made many claims before entering into the ring against the title holder Haye; however, once
in the ring, he could not even deliver an average performance.
While talking to the media for the first time after he lost the big fight, Harrison said: “After spending some time away reflecting on the fight and outcome, I have made the decision to continue my journey in boxing.” He also went
on to say that the match against Haye was ended prematurely by the referee.
Though Harrison has put blame on the referee, the fact is that the boxer seemed to have lost whatever enthusiasm he had while facing the aggressive challenger. In fact, in the third round of the match, the referee had to stop the
match as Harrison could not throw even a single punch towards the opponent after hitting his body once. This has not only brought severe criticism from spectators, but the British Boxing Board is also considering posing a cut to the salary being paid to the
boxer over his lack of aggression in the Manchester MEN Arena.
Defending his approach in the match, Harrison, who happens to be the Olympic gold medallist of 2000 (superheavyweight division; Sydney Olympics) stated that there was a strategy behind whatever he did. “Both styles of feinting
and moving was off-setting the both of us in the first two rounds and I was just zoning in on his rhythm when he got through,” he added.
Dwelling upon his attitude on the day of fight, he said: “I give David credit as I never expected him to hurt me as he did, but anyone could see it was a premature stoppage and I should have been allowed to carry on and ride out
the rough patch, even if that meant I would have got knocked out.”
Holding the referee responsible once again for the outcome of his rather pathetic performance, Harrison went on to say that he was denied the opportunity to show his grit, his determination and desire to be in there for having
a fierce competition and for getting back on level terms. Concluding his remarks and completely shrugging off the disappointment and concerns of the people who have been criticizing him, he said that he was not bothered by the negative comments and was content
with whatever he was.
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