Boxing: Harrison to cancel fight with publican

Ken Mannion
Thursday 14 March 2002 20:00 EST
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Audley Harrison's proposed fight with Bristol's Greg Wedlake next month looks almost certain to be cancelled.

Harrison, Britain's Olympic super-heavyweight gold medallist, had controversially lined up publican Wedlake, who has boxed only once in the last four years, for his fourth professional fight at Wembley Conference Centre on 20 April.

However, Harrison's manager, Colin McMillan, revealed last night that conditions imposed by the British Boxing Board of Control were unacceptable to Britain's boxing hero of the Sydney Olympics.

"I am saddened by the BBBC's position," McMillan admitted. "To impose a condition that the fight takes place over six two-minute rounds, would be a backward step for Audley."

McMillan claimed that a new opponent would be announced next week – but that it was unlikely to be another British opponent.

"It is a shame," he added, "because one of the prime reasons for the selection of Greg Wedlake was the fact that the fight was giving an undefeated British fighter the real opportunity of making a name for himself, as well as being well remunerated.

McMillan added: "What people have to appreciate is that although Audley is an Olympic champion, he is still a three-fight novice, who is coming back after a six-month lay-off due to a serious injury. I don't intend to rush him."

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