Harrison retires from boxing

Olympic gold medallist Audley Harrison said Wednesday he was retiring from professional boxing following his latest loss.

The 41-year-old Briton suffered a first round knockout by Deontay Wilder of the United States in Sheffield, northern England, on Saturday.

“There are only so many times you can fall before it becomes foolhardy to continue,” said Harrison, whose professional career failed to build on the promise he showed as an amateur boxer.

“I’ve fallen a lot, but winning the (world) heavyweight title was a destination I really wanted to get to. Coming back from adversity has been synonymous with my life.

“I’ve done well to turn my life around, but sadly my dream to be a legitimate world champion will be unrealised,” added Harrison, in a statement headlined ‘I’m retiring’ on his official website.

“Our life is a one-time deal, no rehearsals, so the regrets I have, I live with and accept...I got focused a little late in life, so I’ve had to learn some tough lessons along the way,” he said.

He won his first 19 bouts without much fuss although he was already starting to attract negative headlines for the quality of opposition he was facing.

AFP