By Ben Carey
Audley Harrison has hit out at the fans who jeered him throughout his dull 10-round spectacle against Brazilian George Arias at Manchester’s M.E.N Arena on Saturday. Despite clinching a comfortable 98-92 points win (though many had it much closer), Harrison’s uninspiring performance has led many to write off his lingering chances of capturing a world heavyweight title for good.
Harrison though, who turns 37 next month, remains as defiant as ever and has hit back at the doubters writing on his own official website.
“I sometimes feel there is a conspiracy against me which only strengthens my resolve to succeed,” he began.
“Fact: Arias fought Tares Bidenko in his last fight before me and went the distance. Bidenko is ranked 4 by the WBA. Arias fought Sinan Samil Sam and lost on points. Sam is ranked number 12 by the WBA. Arias was stopped in four by Juan Carlos Gomez in a bout he protested bitterly about when getting stopped. Gomez is ranked number 2 by the WBC.
His (Arias’s) weight for this fight was 212 which is 7 pounds lighter than his heaviest weight, suggesting he was in shape and prepared to go the distance. Tell it like it is and cut me some slack,” said Harrison.
“I thought the crowd was harsh t be booing from the second round but I stayed focused and stuck to the game plan. Styles make fights, these guys with quick hands, tight defences, who are small in stature, are not ideal opponents for me in terms of re-building my image,” Harrison conceded.
The Sydney Olympic gold medalist said he will be back in the ring in December in a “more meaningful contest”. Reports have suggested that could be against former middleweight, super-middleweight and cruiserweight world champion James Toney who has been campaigning as a heavyweight since 2004.
