Harrison became the first boxer to win the Prizefighter series on two occasions in February, but a series of knock-out defeats to the likes of fellow Britons David Price and David Haye have forced the 41-year-old to make the decision to hang up his gloves.

"There are only so many times you can fall before it becomes foolhardy to continue," said the southpaw from London in a statement on his website.

"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."

Audley Harrison won Britain's first Olympic superheavyweight gold at Sydney 2000

Harrison turned professional a year after his gold-medal winning performance against Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov of Kazakhstan at Sydney 2000 and made the transition seamlessly - despite being accused of facing "journeymen" fighters, he notched up 19 consecutive wins at the start of his professional career. 

However, his career veered off course in 2005 when he was defeated for the first time in his professional career in a Commonwealth title bout against bitter rival and compatriot Danny Williams on a split decision, and was beaten again just months later by American Dominick Guinn.

A year on from the defeat by his rival, Harrison faced Williams - who stepped in at the last moment when Matt Skelton was forced to withdraw - again, making no mistake on this occasion, destroying his opponent and winning by a third round TKO. 

Harrison finally gained a world title shot in 2010 against Haye at the MEN Arena and was roundly outclassed, landing just one punch in the whole bout before he was stopped in the third round of a fight which was lambasted by fellow fighters and fans and referred to as "a night of shame" by a British newspaper.

Harrison suffered humiliating defeats to the likes of David Price, who knocked him out in the first round of their fight last year

Controversial British fighter Dereck Chisora was also quick to criticise Harrison following the fight, saying: "I'd never show my face again if I fought like that.

"It was pathetic.

"He disgraced himself and he disgraced British heavyweights, he shouldn't get paid the reported million pounds he is earning after that shambles."

Harrison was booed from the arena following his questionable display and only received his full purse after being interviewed by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC).

"You have to bear in mind it was such a letdown for the 22,000 at the MEN Arena and the thousands watching at home," BBBC secretary Robert Smith said following the investigation.

"The Board have rescinded purses when we feel a fighter has not tried.

"He did nothing all night."

It was widely expected that Harrison would retire after the controversial fight in Manchester, but he carried on with little success before deciding to quit the sport for good following his defeat on Saturday (April 27).

"Our life is a one time deal, no rehearsals, so the regrets I have, I live with and I accept," continued Harrison in his statement.

"My brothers and my family have had to share in the roller coaster of my public life over the years and defending the family name after I lose has been a burden for you all

"I intend to lead a normal existence from here guys"

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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