Harrison Shocks All in Williams Victory

Audley Harrison started to restore his name by winning his grudging re-match with Danny Williams inside three rounds at London’s ExCel Arena.

Many people, including myself, highly criticised Harrison due to his poor performance in losing a split decision to Williams last year earlier. But now I have to eat my words because I didn’t think Harrison had any chance but after that I performance I am glad to take what I said back. Harrison cut Williams’ nose in the first round with an amazing left hand and then went on to cut under his left eye during the second before Harrison won the bout due to a technique knockout in round number three.

Williams had previously won the Commonwealth heavyweight crown after beating Harrison with a split decision nearly one year ago, even though that title was taken from away from Williams by Matt Skelton back in July. Skelton was the one who was originally due to fight Harrison at London’s Excel, but he pulled out after sustaining an injury to his hand.

So Williams came in as a replacement with only a week’s notice for a re-match. The twp Britons clashed at the pre-fight weigh-in and Harrison carried that anger into the fight with him; and after just two minutes of the second round, the fight was paused so the referee could examine Williams’ face. Williams somehow managed persuaded everyone he was able to continue the fight but Harrison’s continued to pound his opponent the remains of the second round. Williams’ corner was desperate to try and repair Williams’ injuries before round number three, but they failed miserably as his face looked like he had just been hit continually with a golf club. And Williams too knew there was a risk that his cuts may cause the bout to be stopped prematurely so he had a real attempt at knocking Harrison out at the beginning of the third round.

But it was Harrison who claimed the knockout and sent Williams crashing to the canvas with a nasty uppercut to the chin. Williams did manage to stagger up but he was hit with another uppercut, which left the referee with no choice but to call an end to the bout.

After the bout Harrison told reporters: “I have come back to the same venue after a torrid time last year and have done a job. In 2007 I will win the world title, in 2008 I will be undisputed. You saw today I have definitely got the skills.”

He continued by saying: “People say I’ve got no heart and am petrified. The bottom line is that we all have bad days at the office. Last year I was not in the right place. I came back today with my closet cleared out. Boxing is what I want to do and let me go on in my career.” I am honestly glad that Harrison proved me wrong and I’m glad he finally showed the British people the talent that he does have; and I only hope he continues to use it to take on the rest of the heavyweight division.

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