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Harrison pledges to continue form

15/02/2007

Audley Harrison has promised to win back the respect of British boxing fans with another improved performance when he takes on European Union champion Michael Sprott at Wembley Arena on Saturday.

The former Olympic gold-medallist has disappointed many with his form since turning professional in the wake of his triumph in Sydney in 2000.

Successive losses to Danny Williams and American Dominick Guinn meant that by April 2006 he seemed to have reached the end of the road in the sport.

However a convincing third-round knockout of Williams two months later secured the heavyweight a promotional deal with Frank Warren and he is now aiming to restore his standing in the eyes of the boxing public.

"If people don't like me, I can't do anything about it. People do appreciate my craft and what I stand for and I think the fans will eventually get on my side," the 35-year-old said.

A contest with Commonwealth champion Matt Skelton awaits the winner of Saturday's contest and Harrison is aware that at his age he can not afford to suffer a set-back if he is to be successful in his quest for a world title.

"The main thing for me is that every fight has to make sense and, as long as that happens, I'm going to be busy," he said.

"Michael Sprott is in my way. Nothing personal but, on Saturday night, I'm going to go through him, as simple as that."

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