Audley Harrison not ready to retire

Audley Harrison has no plans of hanging up his gloves for good. The 39-year-old British heavyweight boxer said he is not retiring despite losing to compatriot David Haye last month.

“After spending some time away reflecting on the fight and outcome, I have made the decision to continue my journey in boxing,” Harrison told
BBC Sport.

The 2000 Sydney Olympics champion also justified his lack of aggression against Haye in their World Boxing Association title bout in Manchester.

“Both styles of feinting and moving was off-setting the both of us in the first two rounds and I was just zoning in on his rhythm when he got through,” Harrison said.

“I give David credit as I never expected him to hurt me as he did, but anyone could see it was a premature stoppage and I should have been allowed to carry on and ride out the rough patch, even if that meant I would have got knocked out.”

Harrison, who hardly threw a punch, was stopped by Haye in the third round. He said the referee halted the bout prematurely.

“I was denied the opportunity to show my grit, determination and desire to be in there and compete and try to get back on level terms,” Harrison said.

“Let the haters and negative comments continue – I don’t really care. I know me and I can sleep at night as I’m happy with who I am today.”

After his triumph in Sydney, Harrison turned professional and was unbeaten in his first 19 fights. He also claimed the inferior World Boxing Foundation heavyweight crown during his unbeaten run.

He fought veteran Danny Williams for the vacant Commonwealth heavyweight title in December 2005 but lost via split decision.  Harrison suffered his second-straight loss when he bowed to Dominic Guinn via unanimous decision in his next bout. He went 8-2 in
his next 10 fights, earning the right to face Haye.