Audley at the crossroads

Audley Harrison: Vowed to leave it all in the ring against Price

Audley Harrison has promised to 'show up' at Liverpool's Echo Arena when he challenges British and Commonwealth champion David Price on October 13.

Harrison's up-and-down career reached a new nadir when when was knocked out inside three rounds by David Haye in 2010, having barely thrown a punch in his sole world title fight.

"On a few occasions I haven't shown up which has really hurt my reputation, but I will show up in Liverpool."
Audley Harrison Quotes of the week

But the 40-year-old refuses let the critics get to him and has vowed to make one final attempt to reach the top of the heavyweight tree.

However, in Price he comes up against a man who has taken everything in his stride since winning a bronze medal in Beijing four years ago.

"David has done no wrong and is a likeable guy," said Harrison. "Whatever way you look at it, it's a crossroads fight between two Olympic medal winners.

"It's uncertain which direction I'm headed in while David is on the way up. My career has had tremendous highs and incredible lows. I've ridden the ship as best I can.

"On a few occasions I haven't shown up which has really hurt my reputation, but I will show up in Liverpool.

"I have the spirit and tenacity to dust myself off and give it another go."

Olympians

The clash will see Britain's two Olympic super-heavyweight medallists collide, with Harrison having won gold in 2000 and Price taking bronze eight years later.

"Audley might have a superiority complex because he won a gold and me a bronze, but the Olympics are in the past," Price said.

"Now I'm hell-bent on succeeding as a professional and nothing will stand in my way. If Audley Harrison is still dining out on his Olympic gold medal that's up to him."

Price admired Harrison after his success at the Sydney Games, but is ready to extinguish the dying embers of his career in his voluntary title defence.

"I never thought I'd fight Audley because when I was growing up on the GB team everyone looked up to him," he said.

"He was bit of an inspiration and I'm not afraid to admit that. But come fight night I'll be there to do a job."