• Boxing

Harrison claims victory from the jaws of defeat

ESPN staff
April 9, 2010
Audley Harrison took his record to 27 wins from 31 professional fights © Getty Images
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Audley Harrison left it late as he produced a dramatic final-round knockout to beat Michael Sprott to claim the vacant European heavyweight title.

The former Olympic gold medallist, who had said he would retire if he lost the fight at London's Alexandra Palace, finally got his revenge over Sprott, who knocked him out back in 2007.

Sprott looked on course for a comfortable points victory until Harrison turned the fight around with a killer blow to send Sprott crashing to the canvas. From the outset, Sprott was the more aggressive, landing nearly twice as many shots as his opponent and Harrison was on the back foot for much of the fight, but produced a left fist to stun his opponent.

It was an unconvincing display from the Sydney champion, who appeared to be struggling with a shoulder injury, but he remains on course for a world title fight later this year.

"It was a tough fight," said Harrison. "I showed a lot of heart in there tonight as from the second round my whole right shoulder went. But losing wasn't an option, I had to find it some way, somehow - and Michael was excellent in there and caught me with a lot of good shots."

"That's heavyweight boxing for you," said Sprott. "You can be miles ahead and it only takes one shot."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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