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Harrison targets title after surgery

Audley Harrison feels his left hand will be a weapon against anyone © Getty Images

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Audley Harrison is likely to be out of action for four months after confirming he requires surgery on his shoulder.

Harrison knocked out Michael Sprott in the final round at the weekend to keep his career alive, but the European heavyweight title victory came at a cost as he suffered a recurrence of an injury he picked up in 2002.

"I got the news confirmed today, I ruptured the pectoral muscle, a total rupture, so it is going to need an operation," Harrison told Sky Sports News. "I had this operation in 2002, so it has lasted me eight years. It happened in the second round and it took a lot of determination and heart to get through the fight. I had to find a way to win.

"They will go in and repair it and I will be in a sling for probably six to eight weeks, after which I can start the rehab. It is probably going to be four months before I am ready to fight again. I expect to be back in September."

The Olympic gold medalist is determined to get a shot at the world title and feels that once he completes his rehabilitation, he will take on Alexander Dimitrenko and then hopefully a shot at a major heavyweight belt.

"I have to fight the No. 1 contender, Alexander Dimitrenko," Harrison said. "He is ranked by the WBA and the WBO in the top ten, so if I beat him I will be in the top ten. The Klitschkos is a target.

"Dimitrenko is the No. 1 contender, a tough guy from the Ukraine, so I have to fight him. I plan to beat him and I am one fight away from being in everyone's top ten which makes me a contender.

"The Klitschkos are desperate for challengers and if they come calling I would jump at the chance."

David Haye is also in Harrison's sights and he feels a fight between the two is destined to happen.

"They are trying to separate themselves from me and saying they don't need me, but the history of British boxing has seen two heavyweights banging against each other," he said. "History and the legacy of British boxing has shown this, the two heavyweights have always collided and destiny is going to bring this fight together.

"We have sparred many, many rounds and on my worst day David punched me round the ring, but he did not hurt me. David is a big puncher, but in terms of defence he is too open. It is something I am motivated to make happen."

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