Audley Harrison will take time before making decision on boxing future

 
15 October 2012

Audley Harrison today refused to rule out making a comeback despite his crushing first-round defeat by David Price on Saturday.

It took just 82 seconds for British and Commonwealth heavyweight champion Price to dispose of the 40-year-old Olympic gold medallist at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

While Price was magnificent, the loss appeared certain to end the career of Harrison, who has become a figure of ridicule in boxing.

Amazingly, however, the former world title challenger is still considering his future.

"I have said when I turn up to win and lose to nothing other than ability I will know my time is up, so this could be my last bout," he said. "I'll take some time to think this out as I never want to come back to boxing once I've walked away.

"If it's to end here, what a ride it's been and I'm grateful to the universe for allowing me to find my destiny and walk the precarious road my way.

"Keep dreaming, keep believing and never give up."

Price's ruthless performance has elevated him into the top echelon of heavyweights with a fight against Vitali or Wladimir Klitschko a possibility for next year.

Harrison accepts he is on the wane, but takes comfort from his preparations for the fight.

"I said I had prepared very well for this bout and it showed," he said. "I was in great shape and went out there with no fear, believing I could win it.

"I was really in the zone, didn't get fazed by the crowd, or atmosphere and stayed focused on the task. After eight years, I finally had control of myself again.

"My whole game plan was about avoiding his right, so to get lined up like that is a disappointment for me. Father time has caught up with me, as I didn't see the initial shot, so could not react.

"He finished me off like a good pro, so I have no complaints. I have a broken nose for my troubles."

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