Successful surgery for buoyant Harrison

Audley Harrison has undergone successful surgery on his damaged right shoulder sustained in his dramatic last-gap knockout of Michael Sprott when capturing the European heavyweight title. Harrison originally planned to have his operation in Los Angeles where he is based but was unable to fly due to the volcanic ash cloud. With timing of the essence, Harrison’s injury was operated on by a leading Manchester Board certified plastic surgeon on Saturday which has been described as a success.

“Back in hotel, in pain from surgery but can’t wait to get out of my sling and start rehab. Doc worked his magic, I feel good about the outcome,” wrote Harrison on his Twitter page.

Commenting on his official website on his career saving victory over Sprott, Harrison said:

“The first round was a good round for me. My Jab was much improved and I controlled the round. I was sure I could blast him out within 4 rounds. In the second round, I felt searing pain in my right Pec / shoulder as I tried to throw a hook. Michael came under and got under my shot, jerking back my arm. I went back to the corner and tried to whisper in Thell’s ear, but the camera was close as was the official. I was unable to make him hear me, so I decided not to surrender and adjusted my game plan to get victory.”

“Michael fought a great fight, staying low and ad tight. I had to start switching stance, as I could no longer use my right arm from the 3rd round. I could only hold it out and even that was painful. I knew Michael hadn’t picked up on my injury, so I had to focus on not giving him any clues. I knew winning on points was not possible; I could not win rounds with one arm.

I stayed focused and kept on switching stance trying to find a clean shot. Michael didn’t give me much and was landing clean shots himself. Amateur or professional, I have never fought orthodox. (Clear indication Jim Watt and Ian Darke something was up).”

“In the final round they (Harrison’s corner) repeated their instructions and I nodded but was in a deep focus that only special fighters can go too (yes I said it, Special!) Michael came out and opened up and tried to finish me off (IN HIS MIND), I was glad he was exchanging, as I knew he would be more open.

He had me on the ropes and I tucked up. I dropped a left body shot and knew I hurt him; quickly, I turned him on the ropes, threw my left straight and then the uppercut… he stood upright, I automatically dropped my shoulder and boom-THE BIG PAYBACK! Perfect punch, right on the button; to say I worked on that punch is an understatement. Shadeed developed that punch in camp and I took what Michael gave me. Audley Harrison, European Heavyweight Champion!”

“I hope people realized there has been a steady campaign against me, and if this does not make it clear, I don’t know what will. Vitali Klitschko fought Chris Byrd and was winning comfortable and withdrew in the 9th round with a similar injury.”

“Danny Williams fought on to victory against Mark Potter with a dislocated shoulder. Carl Froch had lost most of the rounds, before he found the wonder punch to KO Jermaine Taylor. All of these episodes were reported correctly, so I can only put the negative reports down to biased, incompetence or both. Jeff Powell (from the Daily Mail) wrote a fair and balanced article and that’s all an athlete deserves and expects.”

Upon his return, Harrison will have to accommodate mandatory European title challenger Alexander Dimitrenko. The EBU has set a deadline of 28 April for purse offers. The 6’7 Dimitrenko, 29-1 (19), hasn’t fought since losing his unbeaten record by unanimous decision to Eddie Chambers in a WBO title eliminator a year ago.

“Alexander Dimitrenko is a test I’m happy to face as soon as I’m healed from my operation. He is ranked in the top ten in both the WBA (Haye) and WBO (Wladimir). With that fight and victory, I will be ranked in the top ten in three of the four main sanctioning bodies. I will rightfully earn a shot at one of the titleholders,” continued Harrison.

“Dimitrenko has resorted to calling me out on You Tube and Fightnews, as if I’m running from him. His last performance against Eddie Chambers showed me what he’s made of and I am more than WILLING to face him. As soon as I’m healed, his chin and my left hand will be meeting!” he added.

To read Harrion’s latest monologue in full, visit www.audleyharrison.com.