• Boxing

Apologetic Harrison hints at retirement

ESPN staff
November 15, 2010
Audley Harrison was battered by David Haye © PA Photos
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Audley Harrison hinted that he is swaying towards retiring from boxing after apologising for his timid showing against David Haye in the WBA heavyweight title clash.

The 39-year-old landed one jab across three rounds before the referee brought a premature end to the fight following a flurry of punches from Haye. Seconds before the clash was ended, Harrison only just managed to beat the count after being pummelled to the canvas.

Many spectators felt that Harrison, who had been humiliated at the highest level, had nowhere to go in his career - but he refused to confirm his retirement in the aftermath of the bout.

Now, after expressing contrition for his efforts, he appears set to bring the curtain down on his 27-5 professional career. "To my family, my team and the fans who got behind me on this journey to overthrow David Haye and become heavyweight champion, I'm sorry I was unable to walk through the door and fulfil my destiny," he said.

"If I wanted an easy way out, I would have stayed down from the knockdown, but I rose and the referee's intervention saved me from a potentially bad knockout as David is a good finisher, but I would have gladly left the ring on a stretcher as I wanted to work my way through it.

"From Prizefighter, to the European Title and overcoming a career ending injury and surgery - I am happy to have made my way back to this point. I make no excuses and I'm not sure where I go from here in boxing, but I'll lick my wounds, take some time out with my family and see what I want to do."

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