• Audley Harrison v Ali Adams

Harrison labelled a 'joke' as he confirms return

ESPN staff
January 17, 2012
Audley Harrison 'lost without dignity' against David Haye © PA Photos
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Audley Harrison will fight for the first time since his limp loss to David Haye back in 2010 when he meets Ali Adams in April.

Harrison barely threw a punch when he fought for Haye's WBA heavyweight title, suffering an early stoppage back in November 2010. The defeat led to widespread calls for his retirement, but Harrison preferred to allow the dust to settle.

He will now start back on the path for world heavyweight glory when he fights Iraq-born Adams on April 14. The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds.

Already Adams has attempted to stoke the fires, poking fun at Harrison's performance against Haye. A winner in 13 of his 17 bouts, Adams is convinced he can retire the 40-year-old.

"Audley is a joke. His fight with Haye was an embarrassment and he still wants to make a comeback," Adams said. "I will give him such a beating that Audley will see he does not belong in a boxing ring again."

Harrison, always happy to dabble in a bit of self-promotion, insists he can still mix it in boxing's heavyweight division.

"I've never been more disappointed in myself as I felt that night [against Haye]," Harrison said. "Anyone can lose, but I didn't lose with dignity, so I was never going to retire of that performance.

"'I've been sitting on the shelf for 15 months, so I'm grateful for this opportunity. With my right arm now healed, I'll have too much for Ali Adams. I intend to show I still have a future in the game."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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