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Harrison down and out

18/02/2007

Audley Harrison's career is in danger of collapse after a sensational third round knockout defeat to Michael Sprott.

Last night's Wembley Arena loss means the 35-year-old has been defeated three times in the last 14 months.

But the Olympic gold medallist has insisted he will "definitely" bounce back from this latest setback, which comes after last year's morale-boosting win over Danny Williams.

Harrison had started the better against Sprott and dropped him to the floor in the opening round.

Sprott, 31, showed signs of what was to come as he began to exert his authority despite his height and reach disadvantage.

Then in the third round he reclaimed his European Union heavyweight title with an astonishing left hook that left Harrison out for the count.

Sprott claimed afterwards he was looking to a world title eliminator with Matt Skelton, saying: "I've had enough of rematches - I'm moving on."

But Harrison reiterated he planned to "rectify" his mistakes.

"I knocked him down first round which made me go away from the game plan a little bit and I didn't respect his power," he said.

"I made a mistake tonight - he caught me with a shot fair and square which is boxing."

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