Boxing: Harrison 'in talks' for world title shot
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Your support makes all the difference.Audley Harrison claims negotiations are under way for him to fight either David Haye or one of the Klitschko brothers after he gave up the European heavyweight belt to focus on securing a world title shot.
The 2000 Olympic Games super-heavyweight gold medalist has been ridiculed in the past for insisting his world title ambitions are still alive despite numerous shocking performances and bad results. However, his come-from-behind knockout of old domestic rival Michael Sprott to win the European belt in April has catapulted him to the fringes of world title contention.
And the 38-year-old "A-Force" claims to be in with a chance of a dream shot at the one-time richest prize in sport when he returns from a pectoral injury, suffered against Sprott, in October.
WBA champion, fellow Londoner and former friend Haye would make financial sense, while the Ukrainian brothers are fast running out of potential challengers.
"I'm told by my promoters [Matchroom] that both David Haye and the Klitschko brothers have expressed an interest in facing me when I return after rehab," said Harrison. "If it's either Klitschko brother [WBC champion Vitali or IBF/WBO holder Wladimir], the task will be hard, but that's how I want it.
"I respect both brothers as they are effective at what they do but both can be beaten. As I said before, David Haye is a false prophet – one punch on that chin and it will shatter like glass.
"If I was him, I'd keep running from the Klitschkos and keep beating up on shop-worn American heavyweights.
"Whatever the route, I will find a way to fulfil my destiny and become heavyweight champion of the world."
Promoter Eddie Hearn claims that talks are already under way with Haye and his manager Adam Booth. "We are in discussions with the Klitschkos and Adam Booth and David Haye regarding a world title shot later this year," he said. "We are keeping our options open right now but the Haye fight is huge."
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