Harrison confirms retirement from boxing

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Audley Harrison says his boxing career is over after abandoning a proposed return to the ring.

Harlesden’s former Olympic champion has not fought since losing to Deontay Wilder in 2013, after which he announced his retirement.

He reversed that decision just three weeks later but said on Thursday he risked further damage to his health if he carried on fighting.

Now 43, Harrison said: “I am no longer a professional boxer and that is good with me.

“After locking myself away for the last five weeks, I’ve tried to focus and turn back the clock to get myself into fighting condition.

“I’ve also seen specialists for my brain, eyes and various other experts to test my strength, power, speed, reaction time, cognitive function and agility.

“Additionally, I looked at the latest research into concussion and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

“I’ve suffered a few TBIs and will have to work hard to reverse some of the effects taking punches to the head has brought about to my overall health.

“I have vision problems, vestibular issues that lead to balance disturbances and have had bouts of serious irritability and moodiness that comes with TBI recovery.

“After years of denial and sticking to my guns, I’m finally getting out my own way. As tough as it is to say this, it’s time to stop.”

Harrison turned professional having won Olympic gold in Sydney in 2000, but he was often criticised for lining up sub-standard opponents and failing to land a serious punch on David Haye in a world title challenge in 2010.

He also suffered a crushing defeat inside 82 seconds against David Price in October 2012.

However, he did win 31 of his 38 professional fights, won the European heavyweight title and was twice winner of the popular Prizefighter tournament.

But the defeat by Wilder first led him to call time on his career and although he has considered a comeback, Harrison says he has had to accept his time in the spotlight is over.

He said losing his boxing income would force him to file for bankruptcy but said he wanted to stay in the sport to become a trainer and manager.

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