"I will be world champion" - Audley Harrison

Audley Harrison isn’t quite finished yet, even if most of the boxing press have been working overtime to convince everyone that the ‘A Force’ was dead and buried a long time ago. The fact that most of London’s written press were not in attendance at yesterday’s Hendon Hall Press conference for Harrison’s rematch with Michael Sprott may suggest that they have already thrown in the towel on the 2000 Olympic gold medalist.

This Friday (9 April) Harrison steps into the last chance saloon for the last time at London’s Alexandra Palace when Michael Sprott stands between him and a great turnaround story with the vacant European heavyweight crown also there for the taking.

It was Sprott who had put what seemed to be the final nail in Audley’s coffin when putting him to sleep in February 2007 during the third round of a fight Harrison was well on his way to winning. Many said at the time Audley would never recover but hindsight has shown us you don’t get rid of him that easily and he was quick to explain his never say die attitude.

“Adversity is a friend and this Friday you will see the rise, resurrection and redemption.” (Only this one has been a little more than three days!)

While Harrison hasn’t quite lived up to his ability and hype I admire the fact he has never given up on what he describes as 'fulfilling his destiny.' Audley calmly strolled in sporting a t-shirt bearing a bold statement of ‘Yes I can,’ which has been the very reason why so many have penned so harshly.

There is no doubt Audley can, but it’s the very fact so far he hasn’t. He was quick to echo the multiple reasons behind his lack of professional achievement of which he gave the BBC most credit for.

Sprott was in a quiet mood and showed little emotion other than appearing a little disgruntled with Audley’s fighting talk. But his recent sparring sessions with the Klitschko brothers have certainly done him no harm in preparation.

Of course it goes without saying Harrison has lost no belief despite all the doubters throwing numerous shots his way. “I know Michael is coming to fight and I know 100 per cent that Audley Harrison is going to be a world champion. My passion and my desire is back.”

Cynics will say we have heard it all before but for those who believe in omens you may be interested in the following little piece of information... Hendon Hall hosted the England world cup winning team back in 1966. A certain commentator’s phrase became famous that day. “They think it’s all over it is now.”

Just for Audley I’ll rephrase. ‘They think it’s all over. It isn’t yet.’ Friday could just be the beginning!