Audley Harrison with summfink to say

Chambers · Post by **Chambers** » 03 Oct 2003, 04:53

Thursday 2nd October 2003. Audley speaks night before Harrison v Diaz

Yo fight fans
Although I am fighting tomorrow, I took some time to update you before the show down. As you all discovered today my opponent is now a hard punching Argentinean, Lisandro Diaz, with a record that reads (7-4-1, 5KOs). He is much tougher than my originally opponent Tommy Connelly, who failed his eye test and had to pull out. This was disappointing but being able to secure Diaz, who is much more of a tricky customer made it better.

I have received a lot of good wishes from England and I’ve met a number of fans from Britain who will be here on the night in support. The main question surrounds my being based in the US. Basically, over the last couple of months, being over here has allowed me to intensify my training, and having both Kenny and Thell close at hand has meant I am able to focus more on the fundamentals. Sparring is working the way it should, getting me looking smoother in the ring and working on my ring control. I’m in great shape having continued my training since Miami. I’m confident that Diaz is going to feel the A-Force and I will be victorious tomorrow night. The Beeb will be showing the bout on Saturday night so make sure you catch it.

This is one of the busiest and best weekends in boxing, in Las Vegas, with two back-to-back shows. The main fight of the weekend will be the Holyfield v Toney bout. I have met both these great fighters before and was able to get the experienced boxers’ views on the sport.

Furthermore, on Wednesday, sitting at the head table at the press conference, alongside both greats and other fighters like Diego Corrales, Joel Casamayor and Jameel McCline, I can see the advantage of having a presence in America. I have already gained a tremendous amount of recognition at the highest level and it’s a pleasure to be part of this great weekend of boxing.

American promoter Dan Goossen publicly referred to me as the “future face of heavyweight boxing.” Now we are talking. That’s what makes me wonder about the haters back home who cannot see that people like Dan Goossen, complimenting me, shows that my plan for world domination is on track. It’s a shame no other British heavyweights are willing to leave the “nest” and make a reputation for themselves over here. They are just not ambitious enough. I had promoters coming up to me and asking why I was the only British heavyweight out here. I can only assume these guys, who are busy calling me out, are only willing to fight at home and might not be as serious as they appear to be, simply because as they haven’t come to the States to really compete.

On the ‘Night of The Young Heavyweights’ show in Buffalo, there was Juan Carlos Gomez from Cuba, Sinan Samil Sam from Turkey and Duncan Dokiwari from Africa. These guys realise the importance of appearing on American national television as a tool to propel their professional careers forward.

If I was not here no one would even think about heavyweight British prospects and that’s a shame because so much is happening that should be paid attention to. In order to have that happen, British fighters have to come to America and establish themselves. Then, when we fight at home, the international press, particularly the American media, will follow us and care what happens. The only way to be taken seriously in boxing is to be here and be around the other top prospects in the sport.

Lennox has already done his part and now I’m the only one over here representing Britain and British heavyweight boxing. Truthfully, heavyweight boxing in Britain is so off the radar in America, apart from Lennox, no one cares about our results. That’s why it doesn’t make sense to me why someone like Danny Williams, for example, would bother to spend five years of his career at home if he was really serious about advancing his name and presence as a prospect in the heavyweight division, let alone go for a major championship.

I know both Danny and Herbie are both eager to fight me, but they are like piranhas waiting for me to get into the swimming pool. I’m not going to be rushed. I’m taking my time and doing things my way. Actually, when I am ready to fight THEM, then, we will fight. They’ve been talking about fighting each other for long enough, they should just get on with it and it would be a good match. I heard that Hide wanted to box Ratko Draskovic for his fight this Saturday, but quite rightly the board turned him down as an opponent. It’s crazy. He needs to be going forward not back. I boxed and beat Draskovic back in March of this year and now Herbie wants to have a go.

Keeping busy is what it’s all about. Phase one of my training is over and I am stepping up in opposition. Part of the plan is to fight every month for the rest of the year and expect to be back boxing in the UK in the New Year with the British Title on the agenda.

Roll on the A-Force train; I am the driver with a great team behind me, on track to the heavyweight championship. Consider Diaz a stop en-route with the A-Force in great shape and geared to be victorious.

Catch the fight on Saturday night on the BBC.
Peace
A

Goz · Post by **Goz** » 03 Oct 2003, 05:58

I don't want to sound like some blind Audley-loving apologist but I agree with everything in this message. It was quite obvious that the sparring and intense training were the major factors in this US 'tour', and a bit of exposure on US tv.

I think it was a great idea and think more Brit fighters should do it. Imagine Hatton for example had taken 3/4 fights in the US earlier on, with his exciting style he would have gained a US fan base and getting money to match him in big fights wouldn't be so much of an issue.

Not to mention what 6 months sparring and training with some of the US based Light-Welterweights would have done for Hatton's defence e.t.c

tolstoy · Post by **tolstoy** » 03 Oct 2003, 06:11

I know you're an Audley fan, Dave, so I'm probably preaching to the converted here because I believe that Harrison, despite some criticism I levelled at him before for his lack of activity, is now pretty much on the right track.

The quality of his opponents at the moment is of secondary importance to his gaining pro experience. I argued before that he should be fighting every six weeks and now he's stated he'll be taking a fight a month until the end of the year. That's what I wanted to hear. He will, however, by next spring I would estimate, start having to face down a couple of world top 50 fighters. This would test him a bit but I don't think an Olympic champion should be too bothered by a couple of tough fights because to fulfil his ambitions he's gonna have to feel some pain.

His point about the relative anonymity of British heavyweights across the Atlantic is pretty valid. I think Danny Williams could do some damage and make some money over there but he's no confident enough to go for it. Of course, Frank Bruno only fought in the US three times - twice for the world title - so it is possible, with the right PR behind you, to make an impact abroad.

Anyway, much as Harrison refers to Diaz as "hard hitting" he should walk through him. I can forgive him that as long as he keeps busy and starts picking off some real "names" soon after.

Riddick Bowie · Post by **Riddick Bowie** » 03 Oct 2003, 06:34

i similarly agree with everything audley says.

his points about danny williams remaining in england year after year is what i have been saying for a long long time.

then you have herbie hide, a veteren, only wanting to hide out in england and calling out a novice and trying to fight his opponents.

pathetic.

roll these boys over audley.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 03 Oct 2003, 07:41

I agree with all of what Harrison has said, especially the thing about the 'desire' shown by the likes of Williams and Hide.

I do hope he has had some intense sparring session and I hope he will fight at least some guys in the 'good journeymen' category in his next ESPN fights. Otherwise this venture will just be another PR stunt, and not done his career that much good.

I'm still yet to be convinced that Harrison will roll over the likes of Williams and Hide, but at least he seems to be trying to do something different with his career, unlike the Brits.

I'll be curiously waiting his stance after this warm up bout.

Bring on someone like Izon.

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 03 Oct 2003, 11:03

Hmm i was a fan of Audley but i think that he made his own bad press over here with his outrageous claims like he was going to become British champ by fight 3 when in reality he was facing another bouncer. He sites the fact that Lewis went over to conquer America but he had already put to rest that he was the best in Britain before he went. I hope he does well in his career as i hope all British fighter does but time is not on his side and i would like to see the class level upped a little more in this fight. He doesn't have to be facing Rahman, Tua or Tyson don't get me wrong but i feel that someone like Jo-el Scott, Ray Austin, Zuri Lawrence or even Gil Martinez would present what Audley needs right now and that is ROUNDS! Blowing out guys like Diaz and Navarre means nothing so he needs a durable opponent, when he steps up to world level he will meet guys who can do 12 rounds easily and will use ring savvy to tire out there foes, Audley needs to deal with that and by going 6 or 8 rounds every 10 fights isn't good preperation.

Anyway good luck to Harrison tonight from me 8) and let's hope he comes back to fight the British guys when they are on decent form and not when they have beaten each other down and Audley can pick up the pieces.

nasty · Post by **nasty** » 03 Oct 2003, 12:00

You Audrey lovers are FU#KING CRAZY!

You british fans are starting to get on my nerve's

Steve is great though!

You rubbish BORN FIGHTERS like DAVID WALKER, CARL FROCH, DAVID HAYE, DANNY WILLIAMS and HERBIE HIDE!

But you blindly love Audrey Harrison even though its so obvious he's taking you all for a RIDE!

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE fornicating ROSE'S

Let me ask you this!

The fact is that so called Prospect MALCOLM TAMM fought Lisandro Ezequiel Diaz after only 1 fight

This is Audrey's 13th FIGHT!

So stop plucking guys out of the air and comparing them. Compare like with like!

Lets look at LENNOX LEWIS who achieved Success at the OLYMPIC'S at SUPER HEAVYWEIGHT in 1988

LENNOX LEWIS - GOLD MEDALIST. Turned pro at 23

Won the European Title in 14th fight and the British title in his 15th fight beating unbeaten GARY MASON TKO 7TH

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Timmbo · Post by **Timmbo** » 03 Oct 2003, 13:59

Im a Brit and I cannot stand these disillusioned Fraudley nutkissers.The real reason he went to the US is to fight more bums and stiffs 'coz he's been sussed out over here.WAKE UP!Im a mechanic,work in a garage and all other regular guys like me and general public agree with this.
I dont like Herbie Hide but at least he's took his lumps and faced real opponents .
Its justifiable Hide fighting Draskovic because he's been fuckin knocked out a few times and he's makin a comeback...duhhhh!
Nasty you hit the nail on the head when you say "But you blindly love Audrey Harrison even though its so obvious he's taking you all for a RIDE! "
As soon as Fraudley faces a decent live opponant he'll be polishing the canvass!

Riddick Bowie · Post by **Riddick Bowie** » 03 Oct 2003, 14:30

timmbo, the genral public knows fornicate all about boxing or the route a prospect takes, and have been misled by moronic tabloid journalists who think barrera lost twice to roy jones jnr.

Timmbo · Post by **Timmbo** » 03 Oct 2003, 14:59

Neil (The Bounty) Hunter wrote:timmbo, the genral public knows fornicate all about boxing or the route a prospect takes, and have been misled by moronic tabloid journalists who think barrera lost twice to roy jones jnr.

So you think everyone knows fornicate all apart from you pack of Fraudley nutkissers?

you'd be surprised on how much the man on the street knows especially the older generation.
At one post fight interview Fraudley claimed he was better than Ali (at Ali's prime) explain that!

Riddick Bowie · Post by **Riddick Bowie** » 03 Oct 2003, 15:10

the general public knows what the childish writers at the sun tell them.

and exactly what fight are you referring to because i have seen all his fights and he never made any such remark.

PS 'nut kissers'........ doesnt sound too clever now does it mate?

Costa · Post by **Costa** » 03 Oct 2003, 23:07

Timbo have you seen a Harrison fight?
Because the way boxing works right is for your first bout you don't go out and face someone such as Mike Tyson however fornicating old you are. As it stands Lennox Lewis is ranked number 1 and I think hes 38 and he turned pro at 23. Audley turned pro at 29 and is 31, I mean if I have to explain things more clearly, I shall.

Otherwise you find yourself agreeing with a poster who seems to think Mesi is the future of heavyweight boxing and we're the dumb ones, eh?

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 04 Oct 2003, 06:16

Costa wrote:Timbo have you seen a Harrison fight?
Because the way boxing works right is for your first bout you don't go out and face someone such as Mike Tyson however fornicating old you are. As it stands Lennox Lewis is ranked number 1 and I think hes 38 and he turned pro at 23. Audley turned pro at 29 and is 31, I mean if I have to explain things more clearly, I shall.

Otherwise you find yourself agreeing with a poster who seems to think Mesi is the future of heavyweight boxing and we're the dumb ones, eh?

Costa, I only hope you weren't reffering to me in your last sentence. Unfortunately I think that you may actually have misinterpreted me BIG STYLE (since I am the only one to have mentioned the words Joe Mesi on a Audley Harrison thread).

All I merely stated was the so far Mesi has faught better opposition than Harrison - significantly better. Surely you have to agree with me on that one. Okay maybe you've confused my analogy of labelling the likes of Izon and Williamson as Ali and Holmes COMPARED to Harrison's best opponents. Call it poet license but I don't think I've read any post here that has said Mesi is the future of the heavyweights.

Just to clarify - Is Mesi the future of the heayweights? NO
Who has more talent Mesi or Harrison? HARRISON
Do I think either will win the world title? Unfortunately NO.

Riddick Bowie · Post by **Riddick Bowie** » 04 Oct 2003, 06:45

stu, i think he was referring to the brillaint intellectual known as nasty.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 04 Oct 2003, 06:51

Neil (The Bounty) Hunter wrote:stu, i think he was referring to the brillaint intellectual known as nasty.

Oh sorry, still new(ish) to this place.

Costa · Post by **Costa** » 04 Oct 2003, 06:53

No stu I wasn't referring to you, I was referring to Nasty.

Dutch Windmill · Post by **Dutch Windmill** » 04 Oct 2003, 10:15

Highlights of the Diaz fight tonight 23:25 on BBC 1 in the Walker-Karmazin broadcast

nasty · Post by **nasty** » 04 Oct 2003, 11:11

Dutch wrote :

Highlights of the Diaz fight tonight 23:25 on BBC 1 in the Walker-Karmazin broadcast

Trust me, there aint no Highlights!

Just Audrey doing his usual Rubbish.

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Dutch Windmill · Post by **Dutch Windmill** » 04 Oct 2003, 19:14

nasty wrote: Trust me, there aint no Highlights!

Just Audrey doing his usual Rubbish.

Reliable as ever Nasty, they're now showing the full fight

Audley Harrison with summfink to say

Audley Harrison with summfink to say

I agree with Nasty