Harrison says he will answer critics

Audley Harrison insists he will answer his critics by seeing off Ali Adams and putting himself back in the frame for a major title.

Wembley’s former Olympic champion faces the Iraq-born Adams, who lives in Chelsea, at the Brentwood Centre in Essex on May 26.

It will be the 40-year-old Harrison’s first bout since he was beaten by David Haye in a one-sided world heavyweight title fight in November 2010.

Harrison said: “I know it’s dangerous to look past an opponent, especially when they’re hungry and motivated like Ali Adams. But let’s be honest, I’m in a different league.

“After I give Ali Adams a lesson in the sweet science, I’m looking for a challenge with one of the upcoming heavyweights. I’m throwing my name into the hat with David Price, Tyson Fury, Jonathan Banks or Seth Mitchell.”

The much-maligned Harrison says he will retire if he loses to Adams, who has pledged to end his career.

A victory could set up a clash with the likes of Price, who fights Sam Sexton for the British title this weekend.

“I found a way to create some goodwill with my appearance on Strictly Come Dancing and I made my body heal,” Harrison added.

“I’m ready to put in not one, but a succession of Olympic-type performances to finish my career on a high and go out as a British bad-boy-done-good, who turned his life around and did himself, his family and his country proud.

“Through my trials and tribulations, people will come to understand the power of never ever giving up and rising up each time life knocks you down.”

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