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Harrison opts to continue boxing career

Audley Harrison was well beaten by David Haye © PA Photos

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Audley Harrison has vowed to carry on his boxing career, despite suffering a humiliating defeat to David Haye in his most recent outing.

All avenues appeared closed to Harrison when he was booed out of the ring after the referee brought a stop to a one-sided fight in the third round. In what was surely his only chance to grab a world title, the challenger landed just one punch - and that was a tentative jab.

Nonetheless, the Olympic champion - who has struggled to make any impact in the pro game and carries a 27-5 record - is adamant that he does not want to bow out on such an underwhelming note.

Harrison has also repeated his belief that the Haye fight was ended prematurely, despite the fact he had been on the canvas seconds before the referee brought the curtain down on proceedings.

In a statement, the 39-year-old said: "After spending some time away reflecting on the fight, I have made the decision to continue my journey in boxing and carry on my career as a professional. The David Haye experience had many highs away from the ring and I'm happy I had a great training camp.

"I pushed myself to the limit in training and left my changing room knowing I'd given my all to get to this point. The outcry after the fight was expected as I didn't get the result I wanted, and the critics have once again tried to bury me under the rubble in the hope I disappear.

"All I can say was that I had a gameplan. I was just starting to get into my rhythm, just zoning in on his rhythm when he got through. I'll never be crash, bang, wallop - and I'm glad about that. My style is unique and I can have problems like all stars can.

"I got caught by a good set of punches to go down. I gave David credit, but everyone could see it was a premature stoppage and I should have been allowed to carry on."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.