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12/06/2005 Archived Entry: "Harrison Comments Before Upcoming Match-up with Williams"
Harrison Comments Before Upcoming Match-up with Williams in Battle Of Britain
Hoboken, New Jersey (December 6, 2005) . . . In anticipation of the upcoming Battle of Britain, 2000 Olympic Champion Audley Harrison took time out of his training schedule to comment on the long awaited heavyweight clash against Former British Champion Danny Williams set for December 10th in London, England.
The 19-fight unbeaten Harrison, having climbed the rankings since turning professional after his win at the Sydney Olympics, will face his first major test in the former British Commonwealth champion William. In what has developed into a historic rivalry between these great competitors, Harrison is looking for what would be the biggest win of his career. Williams, who beat Tyson in sensational style last July and was desperate for a big fight, having seen his chances of fighting the current British champion collapse, is out to prove that Harrison is all talk. Here is what Harrison had to say in a recent conference call about his intentions for December 10th, and the future.
AUDLEY HARRISON– EXCERPTS FROM CONFERENCE CALL – 12/1/05
Thoughts about Fighting Williams?
“I know Danny won’t beat me next week. I want the respect as I am the only heavyweight who can represent Britain on a world level. You need skills, tactics and technique and I have a proven pedigree of that. Danny is brave, but that isn’t enough.
Danny isn’t in my league. Every time he has stepped up he has lost. His first British title chance against Julius Francis he lost. His EBU title chance against Samil San he lost. His world title fight against Klitschko was also lost. He hasn’t achieved and hasn’t stepped up when necessary and next week will show that again.”
Comments on your preparation for this fight?
“My training has been great and I have the game plan and the style to beat Danny Williams. “Thell (Harrison’s trainer, Thell Torrence) said a great thing to me the other day. He said ‘fighting you don’t need to teach but boxing you need to teach’ and I can fight like anyone else but I can also box and I have a game plan. I think Danny can only fight. Next week might be my toughest fight, but it might also be my easiest. My game plan and my skills make my fights look easy.”
On leaving the UK for America
“I have lots of British pride but staying in the UK was not possible. I was frozen out by the system. I could have stayed and made more money here but Audley Harrison is about the world scene and it is not just about the UK market. I have headlined shows in the US that have gone on national television from coast to coast. My mission is world domination and although I could have earned more in the UK, I decided to move.
I have no regrets in my career. Going on my own, winning Gold Medal for Britain, forming my own company and promoting myself – it has all been done for the right reasons and I am happy. George Foreman recently said that I have been smart in my career and I know that is the case.”
On your place in the heavyweight division?
“There is not a heavyweight fighter who doesn’t take me seriously. Everyone who matters knows. I back up what I say – 2 National Titles, Commonwealth Gold Medal, Olympic Gold Medal and undefeated prospect. Antonio Tarver broke through late and I am doing the same. I am in my prime and next week you will see that.”
What’s next for Audley Harrison?
“In 2006 I have a world title plan. We have some preliminary agreements in place and 2006 will be a big year for me. We have a great advisor on board – Al Hayman who also advises (Jermain) Taylor, (Floyd) Mayweather and (Antonio) Tarver – and we have things in place for after this fight. We are looking to announce something for February or March time.”
December 10th in short?
“Bet on me but not in 11, coz Danny Williams will fall in 7.”
The Harrison vs. Williams at the ExCel London in London, England on December 10th will be broadcast live in the United States on Pay Per View ($19.95) at 3:00pm EST. The event is being promoted by Sports Network, and the broadcast will be available on Pay Per View via cable systems from TVN and from satellite providers DirecTV & Dish Network. The broadcast is being distributed in the USA by Integrated Sports. Exciting televised undercard bouts will include the US televised debut of British Olympian Amir Khan.
