Audley's prospects from here

Chopping Right · Post by **Chopping Right** » 27 May 2005, 16:38

So, here we are in 2005 and still waiting to see what our Sydney Olympian can really do after 4 years in the pro ranks. Let's not get into the whys and the wherefores of how he got to where he is right now, but what can he achieve with the rest of his career from where he is now, ie 2005 onwards?

Smit · Post by **Smit** » 27 May 2005, 17:23

Nothing at all.
He might have the ability to do something but he probably wont.

Jamie Sanigar · Post by **Jamie Sanigar** » 27 May 2005, 17:59

Audley has the skills and talent to be No 1.

Brewster, Ruiz, Byrd they are nothing special and beatable. Audley would just be too big and strong for a blown up Toney. He has the beating of the so called prospects Samuel Peter, Brock.

I guess its only really Vitali that would stand in his way. Vitali was a lot better than I thought when I saw him box Danny Williams but seems plagued by injuries. I regard him as the World No 1 at present but he does not have the presence of a prime Lewis, Bowe, Holyfield, Tyson, Holmes. The only one I'm not too sure on whether he is really any good is Valuev is he just a well protected fighter or is he a future champ, he's definitely been eating his spinach

Chopping Right · Post by **Chopping Right** » 27 May 2005, 18:32

Jamie Sanigar wrote:Audley has the skills and talent to be No 1

I could quite easily be convinced of that, but what I don't see is the burning ambition required to become a serious heavyweight contender. For me it says a lot about Audley's intentions that his original opponent next month was this Billy Zumbrun. I've just been watching Bowe v Zumbrun from last night's Eurosport and Zumbrun is patently a non-threatening, pint-sized, midwestern type of heavyweight who would pose no problems for Audley at all. For a guy approaching 34 this year and with his sights set on world heavyweight glory it would seem a strange choice of opponent.

Jamie Sanigar · Post by **Jamie Sanigar** » 27 May 2005, 18:35

I understand what you are saying but he has been out for 12 months from injury so I think he is entitled to one or two warm up bouts to shake off the ring rust before he gets in with the top fighters.

Chopping Right · Post by **Chopping Right** » 27 May 2005, 18:48

Jamie Sanigar wrote:I understand what you are saying but he has been out for 12 months from injury so I think he is entitled to one or two warm up bouts to shake off the ring rust before he gets in with the top fighters.

I agree he has been out for a long time and could do with some easing-back fights. But he hasn't actually fought himself up to top level yet, he's still operating at domestic UK level so we need to factor in a few fights with top 30 guys, then top 20 guys before he can fight in the top 10. What worries me is he'll likely be nigh-on 35 or 36 by then at the rate he fights. Or the alternative is at some point he has to make a sudden and major jump in the standard of his opposition.

Jamie Sanigar · Post by **Jamie Sanigar** » 27 May 2005, 18:59

I think the injuries and time out are very frustrating. I thought Hersisia and Bonin were fair opponents with good records. They were good stepping stone fights. I agree its a shame that he has not been able to clear up the domestic scene with Skelton and Williams but that was more to do with politics that we all know about. I'm sure he will be in some big fights in the near future and then we can all see for ourselves. Lets just hope then the British public get behind him and show him the support we gave him in the Olympics.

Chopping Right · Post by **Chopping Right** » 28 May 2005, 06:06

I can understand why Audley couldn't fight for the British or Commonwealth titles, they were promotionally tied up but I don't really accept he could not have found anyone to fight that would have stepped him up a level in 4 years. And Hersisia and Bonin were not particularly good opponents, true they had good statistical records, but they posed no challenge to a guy of Audley's capabilities.

I will be delighted to be proved wrong, but there just doesn't seem to be the desire there. Maybe he reached the pinnacle by appearing on "Question of Sport".

Jamie Sanigar · Post by **Jamie Sanigar** » 28 May 2005, 06:29

I think his pinnacle was winning a gold medal at the Olympics which even when people look back in 20 to 30 years will still be seen as a remarkable achievement.

I think when you look back at the records of the top heavyweights over the past 10 years around there 16th/17th fights they were boxing the same type of fighters, plus Audley has had to deal with some frustrating injuries of late which have held him back. I don't think Audley has done any different to them but possibly because he is Olympic champ and he was a main event fighter he has been more scrutinised for it. I think the next 2-3 years will be career defining years for Audley and if he boxes to the best of his ability he will achieve great things and this will all be forgotten. Similar to how everyone use to give Lennox stick now they idolise him.

It would be great for British Boxing.

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 28 May 2005, 06:51

Nothing of note at all.

Chopping Right · Post by **Chopping Right** » 28 May 2005, 07:03

Jamie Sanigar wrote:I think his pinnacle was winning a gold medal at the Olympics which even when people look back in 20 to 30 years will still be seen as a remarkable achievement.

I think when you look back at the records of the top heavyweights over the past 10 years around there 16th/17th fights they were boxing the same type of fighters, plus Audley has had to deal with some frustrating injuries of late which have held him back. I don't think Audley has done any different to them but possibly because he is Olympic champ and he was a main event fighter he has been more scrutinised for it. I think the next 2-3 years will be career defining years for Audley and if he boxes to the best of his ability he will achieve great things and this will all be forgotten. Similar to how everyone use to give Lennox stick now they idolise him.

It would be great for British Boxing.

I entirely share the sentiment regarding his Olympic gold, that is an achievement that will stand by itself in boxing history along with the other Olympians. As a professional in his 18th fight then maybe he can be allowed some soft opposition, although the American prospects seem to be matched much harder by the same stage. But as a former Olympic gold medallist aged 33 and 4 years into his pro career I'm not sure he has the luxury of all the time in the world available to him, he needs to make some moves right now. I would say most objective folk never gave Lennox Lewis any stick for his choice of opponents or progress, and about 3 or 4 years back I actually wrote to Boxing News myself defending Audley against his early critics citing his excellent amateur pedigree and his novice status in the pros. Unfortunately I cannot mount the same argument nearly 4 years later.

dookus · Post by **dookus** » 28 May 2005, 07:56

I've seen all but two of his fights, and have long ago come to the conclusion that his workrate is too shockingly poor to ever actually beat a skilled heavyweight who's going to throw at him, and his lack of power is going to mean that absolutely anyone with a decent chin at world level is just going to walk through him or outwork him. Unless he's spent the entire year out learning how to throw more than about twenty punches a round, WITHOUT STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE fornicating RING WITH HIS HANDS OVER HIS EARS FOR A MINUTE AT A TIME, he's going to be fucked the instant he's in with a remotely physically capable opponent.

Syntax Error · Post by **Syntax Error** » 28 May 2005, 08:10

Nothing!

He has the talent, but lacks the desire, hunger, power or stamina to make it!!!

It's a shame, if he got his carcass into the gym & fought more often, he could be something special, but he lacks the qualities to be a champ!

Take into account that he is 34, there isn't much time left for him!!!

liamlion · Post by **liamlion** » 28 May 2005, 08:46

No offence to anybody, but this type of Audley Harrison thread drives me f*cking insane. Harrison is a big, useless c*nt. He doesnt warrant comment, since Sydney 2000 Harrison has had all the opportunities but he's done absolutely f*ck all.

Winning the Olympic Gold is a brillant achievement, but it was five years ago!!! Wasnt 2005 suppossed to be the year Harrison "goes for it"? Jesus half the year has nearly gone.

In my eyes Harrison is a conman. Firstly telling everybody he could win the British Title within 5 fights, then obviously proving it by fighting a large number of blown-up cruiserweights. Now he's hiding in America deluding himself that he's above the domestic scene. The man knows that if he fought Williams or Skelton he would be in a proper fight and I think the thought of that frightens him rigid.

Syntax Error · Post by **Syntax Error** » 28 May 2005, 08:52

liamlion wrote:No offence to anybody, but this type of Audley Harrison thread drives me f*cking insane. Harrison is a big, useless c*nt. He doesnt warrant comment, since Sydney 2000 Harrison has had all the opportunities but he's done absolutely f*ck all.

Winning the Olympic Gold is a brillant achievement, but it was five years ago!!! Wasnt 2005 suppossed to be the year Harrison "goes for it"? Jesus half the year has nearly gone.

LOL!!!!

Never has a man lived off an Olympic gold medal like Harrison!!!

The 2004 games, never mind 2000, have long passed into history & Audley is still talking about 'going for it'!!!!!!

Chopping Right · Post by **Chopping Right** » 28 May 2005, 08:56

It says quite a lot about the boxing public's perception of Audley now that not only have 76% of people voted that he will achieve nothing at all, but that he actually inspires some fairly "colourful" language these days

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 28 May 2005, 12:24

As i have said before it is hard for Audley to evoke sympathy from Boxing fans when he brought a lot of it on himself with brash claims early on in his career. "I will win the British title within five fights" etc when in reality he was fighting a guy with five layers around his waist. I think if he had kuckled down and got into shape and fought on some high profile undercards we could have said fair enough. But alas four years after the claims and the talk and with nothing worthwhile to show for it people are rightly asking questions. He brought it all on himself.

Jamie Sanigar · Post by **Jamie Sanigar** » 28 May 2005, 12:43

I knew I would be of the minority opinion on this thread but wow you guys don't hold back, there's a lot of rage flying about. You need to get down our gym and let that out on the punchbags.

I guess its his time now to prove his worth, I'm positive he will, we will see soon enough I hope.

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 28 May 2005, 13:39

Jamie Sanigar wrote:You need to get down our gym and let that out on the punchbags.

Nah we discussed this in a previous thread, your too far for us all remember

ABA Boxing · Post by **ABA Boxing** » 29 May 2005, 07:43

With Lewis gone Audley could have taken his place as the next British hero, the Heavyweight Division never looked in such a mess as it does now. With it's one shot wonders and old World champions coming back to cash in on the poor division.

Audley is no spring chicken but nither are the other heavyweights, so if he moves his ass he to can make some nice money.

One thing i would like to see is a British or European title under his name but its a case of to much with little time. To get those titles and then World titles that mean something instead of those paperweight belts is a road to long for Audley!

Such a waste of a chance to be number one, looking back he would have been hard pushed to get in the top ten back in the 90's & 80's & if it wasnt for his Gold medal we wouldnt even be talking about him

Now is the time Audley Now or Never

Syntax Error · Post by **Syntax Error** » 29 May 2005, 07:56

I think he should retire undefeated, then in 200 years time, out great great great grandchildren will compare him to Marciano!!!!

DK2112 · Post by **DK2112** » 29 May 2005, 09:19

Audrey needs to be knocking on the door of the top 4 heavyweight champions before the end of 2005 or he can forget it. Next year he is 35, and as it stands we would STILL be looking at what he's done, his record, etc and saying he hadn't reached his prime yet. That's just a joke. He seems to have big motivational problems and comes across as seeing himself as the biggest attraction, therefore being a pain in the arse during fight negotiations. There are three great examples of what Harrison could and SHOULD have been.

Nicolai Valuev, Samuel Peter and Calvin Brock. These fighters have sure faced weak opposition, however slowly but surely they are working their way up the rankings by beating higher quality opposition and Brock taking on someone like McCline so early in his career is something Harrison would never do. I know everyone in the UK loves to hate Harrison but the fact is that most of the criticism is absolutely bang on correct.

I think the thing that finally confirmed that Harrison is a disgrace was when for months and months he dismissed Danny Williams as an opponent but as soon as he KO'd Tyson, Harrison came out in the press saying he wanted to fight Williams.

I will never have an ounce of respect for Harrison until he pulls his finger out, cuts this 'injury' crap and starts fighting people who are in and around the top 20.

Chesney_Chambers · Post by **Chesney_Chambers** » 29 May 2005, 13:57

DK2112 wrote:Audrey needs to be knocking on the door of the top 4 heavyweight champions before the end of 2005 or he can forget it. Next year he is 35, and as it stands we would STILL be looking at what he's done, his record, etc and saying he hadn't reached his prime yet. That's just a joke. He seems to have big motivational problems and comes across as seeing himself as the biggest attraction, therefore being a pain in the arse during fight negotiations. There are three great examples of what Harrison could and SHOULD have been.

Nicolai Valuev, Samuel Peter and Calvin Brock. These fighters have sure faced weak opposition, however slowly but surely they are working their way up the rankings by beating higher quality opposition and Brock taking on someone like McCline so early in his career is something Harrison would never do. I know everyone in the UK loves to hate Harrison but the fact is that most of the criticism is absolutely bang on correct.

I think the thing that finally confirmed that Harrison is a disgrace was when for months and months he dismissed Danny Williams as an opponent but as soon as he KO'd Tyson, Harrison came out in the press saying he wanted to fight Williams.

I will never have an ounce of respect for Harrison until he pulls his finger out, cuts this 'injury' crap and starts fighting people who are in and around the top 20.

Thats a piss poor post even by your own high standards DKDINGLE

I agree with all of Jamie Sanigars points and surely we should be backing our fighters rather than slating and ridiculing them at every opportunity. This site seems to have plenty of manic depressives (the end is nigh :( )

What motivational problems has Audley got??? Hes upped and moved lock, stock and barrel to the US (the centre of boxing) to progress his career, he's looking in tiptop shape and hes said that after this marking time comeback fight (hes been out for 12 months) then he will be stepping up his level of opposition, he'll be on the undercard of a Samuel Peter bout against someone of the likes of Shufford or McCline IMO, then providing he gets thru that fight he'll be fighting Brock or Peter and the winner of that contest will be getting backed by HBO and they'll no doubt get a shot a title, so he could be fighting for a title in about his 21st-22nd fight (thats breakneck speed).

Audley has had virtually the whole of Britain telling him how he has been going wrong with his career and that he'll never be a champion and hes had allegedly try and make it as difficult as possible for him. What better motivation is there for him to achieve his goals? If he wins a recognised World title it is a massive 2 fingers up to all the Audley haters. Audley is the most motivated boxer in the division IMO. "All my Critics bow" will be his cry as he wins his first title

You also said that Audley would never take on someone of McClines stature as early as Brock has done

Brock fought Jameel in his 25th fight, lets see if Audley has fought a McCline type opponent in his next 8 fights, I'm willing to have a wager with you on that

When did Audley dismiss Danny Williams as an opponent, I think you've made that up. Audley announced that he wanted to fight Danny when they were both on the BBC and Danny held the British title and within a couple of weeks of this announcement Danny had signed for Sports Network along with Sprott, making the fight impossible to happen

What do you mean by cut this 'injury' crap????? Do you think he has been pretending to be injured?? have you got any evidence to back this ridiculous claim up.

Audley has said from day one of his pro career that he has a 5 year plan the 5th year of this plan is just about to come into fruition, judge him in 12 months time.

If Audley proves to have a decent chin (its pretty much untested as yet) and if he can improve his work rate then he is heading for the very top IMO

Audley's prospects from here

What will Audley achieve in his career from here?

Audley's prospects from here