Harrison reverses decision to retire

Audley Harrison has reversed his decision to retire.

The 41-year-old announced he was quitting the ring after his first-round defeat at the hands of heavyweight prospect Deontay Wilder in Sheffield last month.

But Harrison says he was inspired to return following the recent birth of his son.

“When I made the tough decision to walk away from boxing, I knew it was not going to be easy,'” he said.

“As the days passed, I knew I would not be able to live with the decision.

“There is no way I am going to tell my son ‘I gave up because I didn’t want to climb the mountain again, I didn’t want to dust myself off again’.

“I’m now in the best shape of my career, doing things I haven’t done for years, and back in love with the sport. How can I retire when I know I have another shot in me?”

Harlesden’s former Olympic champion has been much criticised as a professional – not least after a dismal showing when challenging David Haye for the world title in 2010.

He was also crushed in the first round by David Price last year but opted to continue his career.

He won the popular Prizefighter tournament for the second time before the fight against Wilder, which Harrison felt was stopped prematurely after he was floored by the American.

Harrison added: “We all saw how the fight ended, which was not right.

“I can’t walk away with that performance. If I do, it would haunt me until I’m old and grey.

“I got up, they should have let him come to finish me, and let me show what I got.

“People who worry I may get hurt, I thank you for your concerns. We live in a free society and my desire for freedom and autonomy is my universal right.

“Don’t know where, but see you in a ring real soon.”

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