Audley Harrison remains confident of becoming a world heavyweight champion despite his recent struggles.
Former Olympic hero keen to impress in Prizefighter
Audley Harrison remains confident of becoming a world heavyweight champion despite his recent struggles.
Harrison, 37, turned professional after winning a gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and promptly reeled off 19 straight wins.
But his career disintegrated following defeat to Danny Williams in December 2005 and, after losing four of his last eight contests, he is aiming to relaunch himself in October's Prizefighter Heavyweights III.
"I had plans to be the heavyweight champion of the world in four or five years and it has not gone the way I wanted but ultimately I still believe I'm going to achieve that goal," said Harrison.
"When I turned professional I said I would win a world title and provided I do that then I will be happy with my career.
"I was one or two fights away from a world title but my career started to implode out of the ring, not in it. I still have time to achieve my goals and will do so.
Battles
"I believe I will get that world title and the British public will understand my path, my battles and I will get that credit.
"I'm probably the greatest amateur boxer ever from Britain and won two national championships, a Commonwealth championship and am an Olympic champion.
"I achieved most of the titles that are out there as an amateur but as a professional I haven't achieved yet.
"I've had ups and downs but I still have the desire, passion and skill and also, now, a clear head.
"I went through a period of time where I couldn't focus but now I'm in a good place physically and mentally and looking forward to winning this tournament."
Harrison is due to fight Northern Ireland's Scott Belshaw in the first round of the eight-man Prizefighter Heavyweights III at the ExCel in London on October 2.
Victory over Belshaw would set up a potential semi-final clash against Michael Sprott, who he lost to in 2007.
Williams rivalry
Harrison could then have a final showdown with arch rival Williams, the current British champion, who he has beaten once and lost to once.
"With the draw now in, I can now focus on the potential opponents I will face in Prizefighter," added Harrison.
"Scott Belshaw will have a point to prove after getting stopped in his last bout, so I am taking him 100 percent seriously.
"The chance to rectify my loss to Michael Sprott in the semi-finals is extra motivation for me to push myself in training.
"If Danny is opposing me in the final, I am confident and sure that, despite his relentless urge to crush me, I will come through a tough battle to take the Prizefighter crown."
