SteveDow wrote:bripez wrote:SteveDow wrote:The man has to be applauded in one way. He came from a life of crime to win an Olympic Gold medal, have a relatively decent career (European champion, world title challenger)
Firstly, I have massive respect for Audley winning an Olympic Gold, but this kind of shit really annoys me.
As a pro he massively underachieved - not even getting to British level IMO.
He boxed for the Commonwealth title - against the British Danny Williams.
He boxed for the European title - against the British Michael Sprott
How boxed for the World title - against the British David Haye.
Not only did he not deserve his European or World title shots - they were all against domestic opposition.
Before you start calling other peoples posts "shit" actually look at what you've just written. What the hell does it matter if you box a domestic fighter for a world, European or Commonwealth title? Are you suggesting that because he fought Haye (who was widely regarded as the 3rd best heavyweight in the world) this somehow devalues his shot? If so you're talking utter rubbish. Was Eubank's first world title win over Benn not valid because Benn was British? Nationality means nothing, it's winning the belt that counts regardless of who holds it.
Also, in reality I'm not sure Harrison did massively under achieve. I don't think that he had the mental strength for the pro game and probably went as far as he could have gone but that's a different argument.
In my opinion, your comment was indeed shit.
You said that "he had a relatively decent pro career (European Champion, World title challenger)" - this may be correct on paper, but it doesn't take Bamber Gascoigne to work out what really went on.
Audley was / is a big draw with the general public. As a result he boxed Sprott for the European title (a title that non of them deserved - as both boxers were below the British title level, this it was more of a Southern Area / English title fight).
Again, because he was/is a good draw, his promoter managed to get him a "world" title shot against Haye.
Audley wasn't even the best heavyweight in London - and yet you believe he was really "European Champion" in the sense that he was the best in Europe ?
My comment also referred to the fact that the recent trend over the last few years is that British boxers tend to fight for Commonwealth, European and World titles - yet only box other British Boxers - how does that work ?
If you are happy for British Boxers to defend their titles against other Britsh boxers and to call themselves World champion then fair enough - keep buying the tickets.