Audley Harrison’s Mistake Against David Haye: Training with Rapper and Fury’s Chances Against Usyk

Former boxing olympic medalist and world title challenger turned poker participant Audley Harrison takes us on an anecdotal journey of his profession, detailing how he met Eddie Hearn and the way his profession kick-started, in addition to his experiences preventing huge heavyweights in David Haye and Deontay Wilder.

Talking to Betway, Harrison mentioned:

I received the Prizefighter match and kickstarted Eddie Hearn’s profession

 A first-rate Lennox Lewis would smoke Anthony Joshua

I used to coach in entrance of massive rappers like ‘The Recreation’ in Las Vegas, that surroundings forces you to carry out below stress

A completely motivated Tyson Fury will beat Usyk in rematch

I shouldn’t have fought David Haye proper after my surgical procedure, I used to be on my method out

AJ vs Wilder was like Rocky vs Apollo Creed, however now the hype has gone

I assumed Wilder could be a stroll within the park after we fought, however he sparked me in Spherical 1

I met Eddie Hearn at a Poker match in 2008, and kickstarted his multi million pound boxing empire

In 2008, I used to be dwelling in Vegas, boxing on the Joe Calzaghe undercard. I fought on the identical card as Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins because of Frank Warren. That yr, I additionally fought Georgie Arias in Manchester, misplaced on factors, and my profession appeared to be in limbo.

Throughout that point, I used to be enjoying poker on the World Sequence, and Eddie Hearn wasn’t totally concerned in boxing but — he was operating Prizefighter, however that was about it as we began speaking on the desk in Vegas. He advised me about Prizefighter and prompt I make a comeback. At first, I wasn’t certain, however Eddie being Eddie, he satisfied me to provide it a shot. He mentioned, “For those who do Prizefighter, it might result in a European title, perhaps even a world title.” So, I went for it. I’d simply moved from Vegas to California, however I went again to Vegas for coaching camp and ended up successful Prizefighter, which led to a shot on the European title.

Initially, I used to be speculated to struggle Albert Sosnowski, however he pulled out with about eight weeks’ discover, and Michael Sprott stepped in. That was large as a result of Sprott had crushed me in 2007, so I used to be actually motivated. Throughout the struggle, I tore my pec within the third spherical, however nonetheless, beating Sprott earned me a shot at David Haye. That Haye struggle was really the beginning of Eddie’s journey. His dad, Barry Hearn, had been out of boxing for some time, and this was Eddie’s likelihood. He did the take care of Sky, and it was his first pay-per-view. I used to be closely concerned in negotiating that deal, together with David’s crew. It was a turning level for Matchroom. From there, they signed fighters like Carl Froch and Kell Brook, and Eddie’s by no means appeared again. 

The universe simply introduced us collectively at that poker match. It helped each of us. I imply, look what he’s completed — he’s taken Matchroom to the U.S., filling arenas. I used to be at one in every of his reveals in Phoenix just lately, filled with 15,000 followers. He’s turned boxing promotion right into a severe enterprise. It began in Vegas, at that poker match.

A first-rate Lennox Lewis would smoke Anthony Joshua

Lennox v AJ could be a superb struggle, however Lennox is technically and tactically forward of everybody proper now. For those who look again to one in every of Lennox’s fights, Michael Grant at Madison Sq. Backyard, I used to be there. Grant was an unbeaten heavyweight, the subsequent huge factor, related construct to AJ and knocked out everybody. However Lennox gave him a clinic, banged him out. I’m not hating AJ, however Lennox was simply forward. His jab and understanding of timing and distance would have stored AJ from getting shut. When he did, Lennox would tie him up. At lengthy vary, he would stroll him down and land that huge proper hand. I believe Lennox would get the win, in all probability by stoppage, or no less than comfortably on factors. 

I used to coach in entrance of massive rappers in Las Vegas, that surroundings forces you to carry out below stress

Las Vegas is the boxing capital of the world, it’s the place the highest gyms and promoters are. Again within the day, the gyms could be filled with expertise. Sparring with prime fighters in these gyms is invaluable. I bear in mind coaching with Sugar Shane Mosley and even the rapper, The Recreation, was within the gymnasium. When everybody’s watching, you’ve received to convey your greatest.

That surroundings teaches you to carry out below stress. It was a cauldron at instances and offers you that edge as a result of there’s at all times somebody ready to take your head off. However AJ’s at a stage the place he might not need to uproot for a camp within the US, so it’s important to go to him — he’s the one calling the photographs. I’d advocate organising a non-public camp the place we will management every thing, usher in the appropriate individuals, and create the best surroundings. That’s how Lennox did it. He mentored me on having personal camps, bringing in the most effective sparring companions, and operating issues like a champion from day one. 

A completely motivated Tyson Fury will beat Usyk in rematch

Fury isn’t the favorite on paper. Usyk can dance round him, get out and in and outbox him. However one thing tells me Tyson Fury has that further little bit of magic. He’s going to go to Saudi Arabia and switch again the clock. He must match Usyk’s health and conditioning. Tyson Fury did a number of issues incorrect in opposition to Usyk, similar to AJ did, however he gave Usyk extra hassle than anybody else has.

I believe Fury, when he’s totally motivated with the bit between tooth, can actually problem Usyk in a rematch. He simply wants to make use of all his benefits. He’s received one thing to show. Fury’s a boxing man by means of and thru, with ups and downs all through his profession. Generally he has a unique angle in fights, and it doesn’t at all times prove nicely, however watching these latest movies, you possibly can see he’s in “payback mode” and needs to set issues proper.

Setbacks might be your greatest good friend in boxing — they pave the best way for comebacks. Proper now, Fury appears to be in revenge mode, trying to get again within the ring and make an announcement. That mindset is essential for a aggressive struggle. Usyk is constant, he controls the tempo, bins inside and out of doors, however doesn’t like physique photographs. He’s at all times turning, at all times shifting.

Of their first struggle, Fury didn’t use his measurement and power sufficient. He didn’t lean on him, didn’t stress him correctly. This time, I believe he’ll. He must match Usyk’s work charge and depth before everything. If he can try this, then he can use his benefits to bully him, push him again, and get these physique photographs in — goal the abs, not the personal components. He wants to do this persistently. 

My days within the ring are over, no exhibition and even MisFits might tempt me!

Not within the ring. My boxing days are over. Within the final two years of my profession, I took an excessive amount of punishment. My mind can’t take any extra. I refuse. You go swimming, you’re going to get moist — you possibly can’t keep away from it. I used to pleasure myself on not taking clear punches, however within the final two years of my profession, with my knees beginning to fade, I couldn’t transfer as a lot. I took extra punishment in my final two years than in my entire profession. I’d by no means return to the ring for Misfits. Not for $1million, $2million, $5million, $10million. No method. However I’d be there as your coach or advisor, serving to you navigate the most effective offers out and in of the ring, so you possibly can shine your mild. That’s what I’m centered on now, and I’m searching for these alternatives. 

I shouldn’t have fought David Haye proper after my surgical procedure, I used to be on my method out

As a performer, the aim is to peak for the efficiency. Within the Olympics, I peaked on the proper time, however in a struggle you’re attempting to peak on the proper time each single time. Generally it simply doesn’t work out that method. Anytime you lose, there’s a studying curve. Generally it’s not about what went incorrect, however when.

In 2007, I fought Michael Sprott. I used to be successful the struggle, knocked him down within the first spherical, appeared nice, after which, increase, I received knocked out. I  walked onto a hook, and it was lights out. Towards David Haye I flopped. I had a recreation plan, however I used to be on the finish of my profession. I had simply come again from a torn pectoral muscle after I fought Sprott once more and managed to win. Then I received an opportunity to struggle David for the world title proper out of surgical procedure. I assumed I might pull it off, however I couldn’t. Father Time caught up with me.  

I assumed Wilder could be a stroll within the park after we fought, however he sparked me in Spherical 1

I had Deontay Wilder in coaching camp two years earlier than and I sparred with him quite a bit, however in 20-ounce gloves. He improved a lot in these two years, and if you’re sporting 10-ounce gloves, punches hit in a different way. I didn’t need to be stopped in that struggle. I used to be upset with the referee. I knew it might be my final struggle, and I wished to exit on my defend. However my stability was gone, my legs had been gone. It felt like I used to be swimming in there. That was powerful. I didn’t settle for it. I’d be in these conditions, getting hit, and my stability was far and wide. However it’s important to look within the mirror.  

AJ vs Wilder was like Rocky vs Apollo Creed, however now the hype has gone

I used to be enthusiastic about seeing Wilder and AJ, and perhaps nonetheless need to see it. Wilder and Joshua had all of the intrigue, it was an incredible matchup, like Rocky and Apollo Creed. It had all of the hype nevertheless it’s light a bit now, particularly with Deontay Wilder’s type altering. Wilder being backed up is a unique fighter than the one who got here ahead throwing bombs. Now, you’d in all probability give AJ the benefit. Folks need to see each of them get again on observe. Wilder remains to be Wilder, although — the man who knocked out 39 guys coming ahead, utilizing his vary and distance. 

Can an outdated canine study new tips? When Wilder will get backed up, they nonetheless haven’t found out learn how to make him efficient. I imagine these issues can nonetheless be corrected, even at this late stage. If he fixes that, he might have one of many best comebacks ever. However they should right how he handles being backed up. Proper now, AJ would in all probability be the favorite, however I nonetheless suppose Wilder, if he labored on that weak spot, might make it an incredible struggle. Their kinds would make it an thrilling matchup. 

Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Govt Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and likewise a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.

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