Audley announces retirement from boxing

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Audley Harrison has announced his retirement in the wake of his first-round defeat at the hands of American prospect Deontay Wilder.

Harlesden’s former Olympic champion was much criticised as a professional, although he did win the European heavyweight title and was twice winner of the popular Prizefighter tournament.

Harrison, 41, continued his career despite a dismal showing in a world title challenge against David Haye in November 2010 and a crushing first-round defeat against David Price last year.

But Saturday’s loss to Wilder in Sheffield prompted him to call time on a career in which he won 31 of his 38 pro fights.

Harrison said: “There are only so many times you can fall before it becomes foolhardy to continue.

“I’ve fallen a lot, but winning the heavyweight title was a destination I really wanted to get to. Coming back from adversity has been synonymous with my life.

“I’ve done well to turn my life around, but sadly my dream to be a legitimate world champion will be unrealised.

“I believed if I was mentally and physically right, I could figure these young guns out. Saturday was my final chance to prove it.

“The thing that pulled me up was pride, so I wanted a chance to continue and go out on my shield. It was not to be.”

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