By Sean McDaniel: Former Olympic super heavyweight Gold Medalist Audley Harrison (27-4, 20 KO’s) is ready for World Boxing Association heavyweight champion David Haye (24-1, 22 KO’s) to sign the contract for their proposed November 13th British mega fight at the M.E.N. Arena, Manchester, Lancashire. However, the 38-year-old Harrison is finding out quickly how difficult it can be sometimes to negotiate a fight with Haye, as negotiations between them have been creeping along slowly. Harrison, who probably doesn’t have a lot of time left in his career, vacated his European Boxing Union heavyweight title in June in preparation for a big money fight against the 29-year-old Haye.
Harrison is now ranked near the bottom of the top 15 at the number #13 spot by WBA. Harrison defeated Michael Sprott by a come from behind thrilling 12th round knockout last April. Fighting with only one arm for most of the fight due to a badly torn pectoral muscle, Harrison had to rely on using his left hand for most of his work. In the 12th round, Harrison reached back and landed a huge left hook to knock Sprott cold. The win saved Harrison’s career and put him in the position to get the big money fight against Haye.
Harrison had this to say about Haye: “If it’s money you want then outside of the Klitschko fight, I’m the only guy that makes you money. I am accepting the terms you offered me now we will see what you are made of.” Harrison isn’t the only option that Haye has aside from the Klitschko brothers, but he’s perhaps one of the least threatening ones that Haye can take. If Haye were to take on one of the younger top contenders like Denis Boytsov, Alexander Povetkin or Odlanier Solis, there’s a chance that Haye would be knocked out.
At least with Harrison, he’s aged enough to the point where Haye would have a much better chance of winning the fight. Haye won’t be able to fight 7-foot Russian Nikolay Valuev in the near future and possibly never, as Valuev has a career-threatening injury and will require surgery. There was talk of a rematch between them at some point, but that may not be a possibility if Valuev doesn’t recover from the injuries.
The Haye-Harrison fight could be a huge one in the UK. Harrison is well known and has a decent following. His career hasn’t lived up to expectations, to be sure. However, he’s a minor celebrity and fighting him will likely bring in big money on pay per view for Haye.
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