By Shaun Campbell: For the few American’s that may choose the read this article, I should probably explain who Audley Harrison is. He is a 6ft 4 southpaw. Heavy handed, little speed, rarely exciting, good amateur pedigree, doesn’t seem to have the hunger for the professional boxing scene, 4 losses against mediocre opponents at domestic level, suspect chin, never fought anyone at the top world level, and he will be fighting David Haye for the World Boxing Association world heavyweight title.

In November David Haye (24-1 22KO’s) will defend his WBA heavyweight title against former European champion Audley ‘A-Force’ Harrison (27-4 20KO’s), with repeated negotiations with a unification bout with either of the Klitchko brothers falling through. Harrison 38, was lucky to take the European belt in his last outing when he was trailing on points to journeyman Michael Sprott, and eventually pulled out a devastating left hand to knock Sprott out. Haye is coming off a win over now retired John Ruiz.

This fight however, is nothing short of a joke. The constant reassurances by the promoters that this “all British showdown” will capture the interest of the nation is simply not true. There are no doubts that some people will buy the fight on PPV, and some people will turn up at the MEN Arena to watch the fight, but the fact that Haye is fighting someone currently ranked 5th in the British heavyweight rankings, and not even in the top 40 in the world by Boxrec, will show on the viewing figures. Harrison, a former olympic gold medallist has never lived up to the potential he showed early on in his career. 4 loses (against average opponents at best) have proved that Harrison either doesn’t have the heart for professional boxing, or just simply is not talented enough.

Haye however, as champion, will deservedly take a lot of criticism for taking this fight. What does this fight do for his legacy that he continually hypes up? What does this fight tell us that fights against Enzo Maccarinelli, John Ruiz and Nikolai Valuev didn’t tell us? Yes the boxing world can reluctantly accept him not fighting the Klitchko’s, and no one could blame Haye for picking other challengers such as Sam Peter, Tomasz Adamek, or even Chris Arreola. After all, isn’t that what the Klitchko’s have been doing all this time? Even fights against fellow Brits such as Sam Sexton, Dereck Chisora, or even young Tyson Fury would have been more appealing than a fight against Audley Harrison. Haye wants to be recognised around the world, this fight does not do that as there are few (if any) people outside Britain that know of Audley Harrison.

Haye states that this fight is happening purely so he can do the British public a favour and end Audley’s disappointing career. That sounds hard to believe. A lot of people are losing respect for David Haye because of this fight. If Haye somehow manages to lose this fight then reitrement surely is the only option, as he says he doesn’t want to fight past his 31st birthday. The same is the case for Harrison, a loss would probably bring his career to a close.

Prediction – Haye win by KO round 2/3 (if it goes the distance, what a disappointing night of boxing we have in store).