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Audley sees Price as stepping stone

Audley Harrison has his sights on a world title © Getty Images

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Audley Harrison is back in love with boxing and has his sights trained on the world title.

The Brit, who has seen a promising career fall apart, has a shot at redemption when he takes on David Price for the British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles on October 13.

Harrison has seemingly been drinking in the last chance saloon for what seems like an age, but defeat to Price would surely close the door on any chance of a title shot.

It would appear he is aware of this and had a spring in his step at a press conference to promote the fight at Liverpool's Echo Arena.

"I got to 18-0 before I fell and obviously since I fell I haven't really been able to get myself back onto the pathway," Harrison told the Daily Mail. "Richel Hersisia, that was 2004, was the last time I was in love with boxing. I was having a big fight with the BBC, I lost my contract and I fell out of love with boxing.

"I had to sign with (promoter) Frank Warren and, I'm not going to lie, it broke my heart. At that time you saw my professional career capitulate.

"But I can tell you now, Mr Audley Harrison is back in love with boxing. I'm going to enjoy this on October 13.

"Obviously (the aim is) to win a world title. I've blazed a trail, I've fallen, dropped off, never given up. It's a battle of adversity and I'm going to stay on the course until I finish my way."

Price, an Olympic bronze medallist in 2008, has amassed a 13-0 record and is aware that defeat to Harrison could set his career back immeasurably.

"The general perception of Audley Harrison within the public, unfortunately for him, is not a very good one," he said. "If I was to lose then my reputation would potentially be in tatters.

'I've got a lot to lose, so I'm going to be so determined the fight goes my way that there's no other possible outcome."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.