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Harrison never lost sight of world title fight

Audley Harrison beat Michael Sprott to win the European heavyweight title © Getty Images

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Audley Harrison insists he never lost faith in his abilities after securing a chance to become world heavyweight champion against British rival David Haye.

Haye confirmed on Tuesday that he would defend his WBA title against Harrison in an all-British bout in Manchester on November 13, with Haye promising to 'annihilate' Harrison.

After becoming Olympic champion in Sydney ten years ago, Harrison has failed to live up to expectations after turning professional in 2001, suffering four defeats to the likes of Danny Williams and Michael Sprott.

Victory in Prizefighter last year handed him the chance to take on Sprott for the vacant European title, and a 12th-round knockout sealed an impressive comeback at the age of 38. But despite a string of setbacks, Harrison never lost sight of his goal to challenge for a world title.

"I never doubted myself, I believed 100%," Harrison said. "Even when it was cloudy ahead, I never ever lost the belief."

"I definitely lost the passion at times in my career, with all the stuff I had to put up with out of the ring. But I never ever lost the belief that one day Audley Harrison would be heavyweight champion of the world." Harrison claims that victory over his former friend Haye will make success even sweeter.

"Once I've got that belt it will taste even better for all that because I've had to go places where most men can't go in terms of overcoming adversity and being able to dust myself off.

"I've had to do it numerous times as a professional and in life and that shows my character. "I've found a way to be here when a year ago everyone told me I was delusional when I said I'd be fighting for a world title a year from then. Now who's delusional?"

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