A Reflection on Audley Harrison

[Mofo2]

By David O'Rourke

The much maligned and ridiculed Audley Harrison has this week called time upon a career that has had such amazing highs with both Commonwealth and Olympic Gold medal success and such devastating lows in his defeats to Martin Rogan and his latest annihilation by Deontray Wilder this past weekend. But let's take time to consider his career achievements as a whole and not pigeon hole them into a number of defeats that placed a cloud over his credibilty to ever be considered to be a genuine HW contender in the Pro Ranks. After initially bursting onto out television screens with all the whistles and bells that is only ever usually afforded to an established fighter or World Champion, I think it is clear that Harrison only flattered to deceive early in his professional career after a number of solid performances against learning curve opponents that are lined up for a new pro in his fledgling career as these were quickly followed up by unconvincing and laboured wins against sub-standard opposition with no obvious signs of improvement that could at least start to justify the hype. And yet the Harrison gravy train continued to roll along, but we stuck with him and gave the benefit of the doubt and the support still stayed strong.

But then came his first real test against a resurgent Danny Williams and the defeat finally dented the misplaced belief we had given him overs the years and we now saw the real Audley Harrison through all the self-hype that had raised all our expectations for what he really was an 'Average Pro boxer' and I believe it was at this point the ridicule began. Further set-backs in his career saw him twice take the Prizefighter route and surprisingly and against all the odds he came out victorious and Harrison again started to promote his cause all over again, but this time the boxing community just laughed at Audley's motor mouth and we all laughed loudest in his belief that he could overcome David Haye and finally realise his dream of becoming World Champion when arguably his undeserved opportunity finally came long.

With a Professional record of 31 wins from 38 contests with 23 victories by way of knockout with 7 defeats, Audley has at least had the balls to step up to the plate to be counted and put himself in the firing line with a confidence that irritated as many as it inspired, and although his own hopes and expectations were never fulfilled with his failure to win his longed for World Title, an MBE, English, Euro and two Prizefighter titles are not to be sniffed at. Audley for all his failings can be proud that he came from humble beginnings and had a career many would be proud to have and he did this all with an air of dignity and respect for his opponents. So after all this, can we say that Audley has made a success of a career that has tested his mental strength as much as his ability with so many set-backs along the way? I believe Yes We Can. So Well done Audley, nice guys don't always finish on top and good luck in a well earned retirement.