That's a surprise, because I thought Ricky Hatton had the Mickey Mouse belt.
Maybe he has a Mini Mouse belt? Or Donald Duck?
Someone needs to clear this up and let the public know!
Sports Notwork say Audley has a Mickey Mouse belt
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MightyWarrior
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 13283
- Joined: 23 Jan 2003, 14:01
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knockout artist
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 1482
- Joined: 03 Sep 2003, 13:18
Re: Sports Notwork say Audley has a Mickey Mouse belt
MightyWarrior wrote:That's a surprise, because I thought Ricky Hatton had the Mickey Mouse belt.
Maybe he has a Mini Mouse belt? Or Donald Duck?
Someone needs to clear this up and let the public know!
Houses, Stones, Glass and Throw come to mind.
What utter bollocks.
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jamesmcdonnell
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 45229
- Joined: 12 Nov 2003, 06:11
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MightyWarrior
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 13283
- Joined: 23 Jan 2003, 14:01
Re: Sports Notwork say Audley has a Mickey Mouse belt
Yeah it's on the front page of the completely unbiased Sports Nutwork site, penned by Ian Axon.knockout artist wrote:MightyWarrior wrote:That's a surprise, because I thought Ricky Hatton had the Mickey Mouse belt.
Maybe he has a Mini Mouse belt? Or Donald Duck?
Someone needs to clear this up and let the public know!
Houses, Stones, Glass and Throw come to mind.
What utter bollocks.
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jamesmcdonnell
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 45229
- Joined: 12 Nov 2003, 06:11
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jameswilson
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 13395
- Joined: 08 Jan 2004, 18:01
Here is the official press release from A-Force
As most of you have heard by now, Saturday night will be my last fight on the BBC (10.50pm) and as far as I can see, the end of Big Time boxing on the channel for the foreseeable future. It is with mixed emotions that I reflect on this first part of my career, as it has given me great pleasure to have the opportunity to let you witness all of my fights whether live or on television.
Instead, boxing will be pushed to the later slots of scheduling and as I understand it, the BBC’s fantastic ‘Summer of Sport’ will not include any boxing other than the Olympics and one or two late night highlights of HBO broadcasts. The boxers that remain on the channel will have the next three months to wonder why their promoters can’t get them showcased. This story is far bigger than Audley Harrison. Boxing’s future on the BBC, I believe is at its end.
Before I start explaining everything that has happened over the past week, I first would like to take the time to thank you for your support to date and ask that you continue to follow my career—no matter what direction it takes—as this might be a bump in the road but it is far from a road wreck. There is still no doubt in my mind that I will become the legitimate Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Now, and with regard to my relationship with BBC Sport, I am quite disappointed that the decision has been reached to end this association at this time. It was understood by me and my company, A-Force Promotions, that there would come a time that the deal would be at an end. With the return of the premiership to the network, and in addition to the high financial price that comes with big time boxing, there was an understanding that the BBC would not be prepared to support my entire career but I was lead to believe that they would hang in their with me until March, 2005. That is why it was such a surprise that the termination happened so abruptly and at this time.
On the whole, there have been some positive results from this association and one of them has to do with you—the fans. My association created a revival for British boxing as it returned to primetime terrestrial television ensuring that more fans of the sweet science would be able to see and enjoy it—at NO cost. In addition, I have had the chance to have all my 17 fights, including this one, financially funded while airing on terrestrial television. This has given me the jumpstart I needed to establish the early part of my career. Trust me, it has been a great start and I am still very positive and confident as to where my future is going—forward with freedom.
So stay tuned for next steps and what will happen in the coming months. First and foremost, I desire nothing less than to face Matt Skelton, 100%. But everyone, including allegedly, Skelton’s promoter, needs to know that I will only fight him if its a fair, no-strings attached agreement between all parties. I will not fight Skelton if I have to give up any options or my independence.
With regard to allegedly, I believe the man is obsessed with me. He walks, talks and sleeps Audley Harrison. This has been going on since 1998 when I turned down his offer of £100,000 to sign with him and he has pursued me relentlessly ever since. Before and after every fight I’ve had, he’s continued my campaign, jumping on the bandwagon, taking advantage of associating himself with my name. As far as the relationship between me and Warren, it’s like two men playing chess. I commend Frank because he has played a great game, using Matt Skelton and all his other fighters, as pawns in our game of chess, trying to prevent me from achieving my goals unless he is involved.
Bottom line—allegedly has never given me the respect I deserve as a gold medal winner or as my own promoter. He feels and continues to demonstrate his belief that he will eventually control me and/or force me out of my own game. But I am an independent license promoter and will never receive a paycheck from him or his company--EVER.
So for the greater good of boxing and all the fans who have asked to see this fight happen, I suggest that all parties work together and come to a realistic agreement. That is the only way this fight can happen and I trust that it will. I have already sent a letter to Sky Television ascertaining their willingness to make this deal (see below.) I am prepared to make this fight happen in two possible ways. Either, Sports Network can buy out the promotional rights for this one fight and pay me an agreed upon amount to be paid directly by Sky Sports. Or I am prepared to do a 50-50 co=promotion with Sports Network to stage the fight in September or October 2004.
Allow me to box, win the title and move on in my career, away from the negativity, hijacking and destructiveness that is ruining Britain’s best chance of having a genuine and legitimate Heavyweight Champion. Matt Skelton is to be congratulated for his quick rise to the British title, but boxing requires more elements than toughness to be successful. Against me that will be his undoing. However none of this can happen if this fight is not made.
Trust me, I will find a way to overcome my predicament with the help of trusted and respected individuals, who wish for my success and nothing more. The learning curve at this stage of my career is now complete and I’m desperate to box Matt Skelton and a whole host of other fighters. You the fans deserve it and I will strive and make an almighty effort to make it happen, but I need you the fans to support my right to remain independent. Express yourselves and tell allegedly to stop obstructing the negotiations with false promises and the deal can and will be done.
If my charge to the top has taken longer than expected, I apologise, but please understand why. If my opponents are not the names you’ve been expecting, I apologise, but please understand why. If my fight this Saturday is the last time I’m able to box in Britain, again, I apologise, but please understand why.
So stay tuned and don’t give up on the A-Force. I appreciate your support to date and want you to know how much it has meant to me to have the millions of fans throughout the country support my fights either by watching them on the television or by coming to the arenas to see them live. I urge you to come to Alexandra Palace Saturday night or catch me on the BBC for the last time. Please understand that A-Force Promotions is here for the long run and are more than capable of looking after my career interests.
Love to fans of boxing who wish me well and understand the battle that’s been fought over the last three years, away form public opinion and behind close doors. The whole truth will one day be revealed and the fact that I’m able to still box, win and improve; despite the immense pressure on me and A-Force, will give you some indication of my mentality. I will not quit, no way, no how, but need to lick my wounds and come back stronger, smarter, fitter, focused and whatever else I need to do to achieve my goals and dreams.
Audley Harrison M.B.E. the A-Force
Suite 205 18 Soho Square
London W1D 3QL
and the letter that has been sent to skysports
Dear Sir
Re: Matt Skelton –v- Audley Harrison
Subject to Contract
As you are aware, we promote Audley Harrison and control the promotional rights over him.
Undoubtedly there is huge interest in a fight between Matt Skelton and Audley Harrison for the British Heavyweight title and furthermore this is a fight which Audley Harrison would like to pursue.
In an effort to make the fight happen during the period September/October 2004 we set out below for your consideration what we believe to be a fair and equitable proposal:-
(i) We negotiate a buy out of our promotional rights with Mr. Skelton’s promoter, Sports Network, for an agreed fee which is to be paid to us by Sky Sports.
(ii) Alternatively we would be prepared to jointly promote the contest (which must be the main event) with Sports Network on equal terms. All promotional income and expenses would need to be agreed upon by Sports Network and us. Furthermore, we would require Sky Sports to pay to us directly one half of the licence fee payable by Sky Sports for the UK broadcast rights to the contest.
(iii) Whichever of the above options apply, Sports Network would not have any rights over future contests involving Audley Harrison.
If Sports Network is committed to making the fight happen then we firmly believe that the above proposal is workable for all parties concerned.
If the contest does not take place during the period September/October 2004, then alternative opportunities will be pursued in order to progress Audley Harrison’s career and the opportunity of a fight between Audley Harrison and Matt Skelton will be lost.
We should be grateful if you would let us have your response to the above proposal by Friday 18 June 2004.
Yours faithfully
HAZEL BRUNO-GILBERT
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF A-FORCE PROMOTIONS LIMITED
both from audleyharrison.com
As most of you have heard by now, Saturday night will be my last fight on the BBC (10.50pm) and as far as I can see, the end of Big Time boxing on the channel for the foreseeable future. It is with mixed emotions that I reflect on this first part of my career, as it has given me great pleasure to have the opportunity to let you witness all of my fights whether live or on television.
Instead, boxing will be pushed to the later slots of scheduling and as I understand it, the BBC’s fantastic ‘Summer of Sport’ will not include any boxing other than the Olympics and one or two late night highlights of HBO broadcasts. The boxers that remain on the channel will have the next three months to wonder why their promoters can’t get them showcased. This story is far bigger than Audley Harrison. Boxing’s future on the BBC, I believe is at its end.
Before I start explaining everything that has happened over the past week, I first would like to take the time to thank you for your support to date and ask that you continue to follow my career—no matter what direction it takes—as this might be a bump in the road but it is far from a road wreck. There is still no doubt in my mind that I will become the legitimate Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Now, and with regard to my relationship with BBC Sport, I am quite disappointed that the decision has been reached to end this association at this time. It was understood by me and my company, A-Force Promotions, that there would come a time that the deal would be at an end. With the return of the premiership to the network, and in addition to the high financial price that comes with big time boxing, there was an understanding that the BBC would not be prepared to support my entire career but I was lead to believe that they would hang in their with me until March, 2005. That is why it was such a surprise that the termination happened so abruptly and at this time.
On the whole, there have been some positive results from this association and one of them has to do with you—the fans. My association created a revival for British boxing as it returned to primetime terrestrial television ensuring that more fans of the sweet science would be able to see and enjoy it—at NO cost. In addition, I have had the chance to have all my 17 fights, including this one, financially funded while airing on terrestrial television. This has given me the jumpstart I needed to establish the early part of my career. Trust me, it has been a great start and I am still very positive and confident as to where my future is going—forward with freedom.
So stay tuned for next steps and what will happen in the coming months. First and foremost, I desire nothing less than to face Matt Skelton, 100%. But everyone, including allegedly, Skelton’s promoter, needs to know that I will only fight him if its a fair, no-strings attached agreement between all parties. I will not fight Skelton if I have to give up any options or my independence.
With regard to allegedly, I believe the man is obsessed with me. He walks, talks and sleeps Audley Harrison. This has been going on since 1998 when I turned down his offer of £100,000 to sign with him and he has pursued me relentlessly ever since. Before and after every fight I’ve had, he’s continued my campaign, jumping on the bandwagon, taking advantage of associating himself with my name. As far as the relationship between me and Warren, it’s like two men playing chess. I commend Frank because he has played a great game, using Matt Skelton and all his other fighters, as pawns in our game of chess, trying to prevent me from achieving my goals unless he is involved.
Bottom line—allegedly has never given me the respect I deserve as a gold medal winner or as my own promoter. He feels and continues to demonstrate his belief that he will eventually control me and/or force me out of my own game. But I am an independent license promoter and will never receive a paycheck from him or his company--EVER.
So for the greater good of boxing and all the fans who have asked to see this fight happen, I suggest that all parties work together and come to a realistic agreement. That is the only way this fight can happen and I trust that it will. I have already sent a letter to Sky Television ascertaining their willingness to make this deal (see below.) I am prepared to make this fight happen in two possible ways. Either, Sports Network can buy out the promotional rights for this one fight and pay me an agreed upon amount to be paid directly by Sky Sports. Or I am prepared to do a 50-50 co=promotion with Sports Network to stage the fight in September or October 2004.
Allow me to box, win the title and move on in my career, away from the negativity, hijacking and destructiveness that is ruining Britain’s best chance of having a genuine and legitimate Heavyweight Champion. Matt Skelton is to be congratulated for his quick rise to the British title, but boxing requires more elements than toughness to be successful. Against me that will be his undoing. However none of this can happen if this fight is not made.
Trust me, I will find a way to overcome my predicament with the help of trusted and respected individuals, who wish for my success and nothing more. The learning curve at this stage of my career is now complete and I’m desperate to box Matt Skelton and a whole host of other fighters. You the fans deserve it and I will strive and make an almighty effort to make it happen, but I need you the fans to support my right to remain independent. Express yourselves and tell allegedly to stop obstructing the negotiations with false promises and the deal can and will be done.
If my charge to the top has taken longer than expected, I apologise, but please understand why. If my opponents are not the names you’ve been expecting, I apologise, but please understand why. If my fight this Saturday is the last time I’m able to box in Britain, again, I apologise, but please understand why.
So stay tuned and don’t give up on the A-Force. I appreciate your support to date and want you to know how much it has meant to me to have the millions of fans throughout the country support my fights either by watching them on the television or by coming to the arenas to see them live. I urge you to come to Alexandra Palace Saturday night or catch me on the BBC for the last time. Please understand that A-Force Promotions is here for the long run and are more than capable of looking after my career interests.
Love to fans of boxing who wish me well and understand the battle that’s been fought over the last three years, away form public opinion and behind close doors. The whole truth will one day be revealed and the fact that I’m able to still box, win and improve; despite the immense pressure on me and A-Force, will give you some indication of my mentality. I will not quit, no way, no how, but need to lick my wounds and come back stronger, smarter, fitter, focused and whatever else I need to do to achieve my goals and dreams.
Audley Harrison M.B.E. the A-Force
Suite 205 18 Soho Square
London W1D 3QL
and the letter that has been sent to skysports
Dear Sir
Re: Matt Skelton –v- Audley Harrison
Subject to Contract
As you are aware, we promote Audley Harrison and control the promotional rights over him.
Undoubtedly there is huge interest in a fight between Matt Skelton and Audley Harrison for the British Heavyweight title and furthermore this is a fight which Audley Harrison would like to pursue.
In an effort to make the fight happen during the period September/October 2004 we set out below for your consideration what we believe to be a fair and equitable proposal:-
(i) We negotiate a buy out of our promotional rights with Mr. Skelton’s promoter, Sports Network, for an agreed fee which is to be paid to us by Sky Sports.
(ii) Alternatively we would be prepared to jointly promote the contest (which must be the main event) with Sports Network on equal terms. All promotional income and expenses would need to be agreed upon by Sports Network and us. Furthermore, we would require Sky Sports to pay to us directly one half of the licence fee payable by Sky Sports for the UK broadcast rights to the contest.
(iii) Whichever of the above options apply, Sports Network would not have any rights over future contests involving Audley Harrison.
If Sports Network is committed to making the fight happen then we firmly believe that the above proposal is workable for all parties concerned.
If the contest does not take place during the period September/October 2004, then alternative opportunities will be pursued in order to progress Audley Harrison’s career and the opportunity of a fight between Audley Harrison and Matt Skelton will be lost.
We should be grateful if you would let us have your response to the above proposal by Friday 18 June 2004.
Yours faithfully
HAZEL BRUNO-GILBERT
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF A-FORCE PROMOTIONS LIMITED
both from audleyharrison.com
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jamesmcdonnell
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 45229
- Joined: 12 Nov 2003, 06:11
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Guest
- Heavyweight
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jamesmcdonnell
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 45229
- Joined: 12 Nov 2003, 06:11
I understand why Audley doesn't want to sign with allegedly and have his career controlled by him, but he is going to find it very very hard doing it all himself, he doesn't have the experience or the clout to go it all alone. you need some relationships in boxing to get anywhere, and Audley's only meaningful relationship with the BBC, well, that's gone.
Hard to get by on one night stands in boxing..
Hard to get by on one night stands in boxing..
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Eric the Viking
- Heavyweight
- Posts: 1354
- Joined: 03 Apr 2003, 21:40
Re: .
Wales wrote:mickey mouse wears a allegedly watch
:D:D
- Haha, you're black!! 
i think we'll find that boxing has already been pushed to the later slots whilst audley has been their main fighter.jameswilson wrote:Here is the official press release from A-Force
Instead, boxing will be pushed to the later slots of scheduling
something to do with crap fights against no names, dwindling live audiences at his live fights and his "fans" swithcing off in droves
good riddance Audley
With support, Audley has a definite chance of going it alone (i.e. not joining Warren's band of unmerry men).
Yes Audley's got a shite title, it still rankles me, but he was forced into a corner and had to act. He got dealt a poor hand and played it as best as he could.
With BBC closing the door on him, he has now rekindled his interest in the British title and it would be good to see that title strapped around him and then move swiftly on to the EBU crown.
It's going to be very tough keeping his independence and moving through the ranks, but Lennox pretty much did it so Harrison does have hope.
Yes Audley's got a shite title, it still rankles me, but he was forced into a corner and had to act. He got dealt a poor hand and played it as best as he could.
With BBC closing the door on him, he has now rekindled his interest in the British title and it would be good to see that title strapped around him and then move swiftly on to the EBU crown.
It's going to be very tough keeping his independence and moving through the ranks, but Lennox pretty much did it so Harrison does have hope.