Audley Harrison remains convinced he will one day be crowned heavyweight champion of the world.
Olympic gold medallist vows to produce at ExCeL
Audley Harrison remains convinced he will one day be crowned heavyweight champion of the world.
The Olympic gold medallist will continue his pursuit of the title by impressing against Martin Rogan in Saturday's Judgement Night promotion.
Since striking gold at Sydney 2000, Harrison has alienated fans with his over-cautious style and bravado.
But a poor record of three defeats in 26 fights has failed to douse the 37-year-old's self-belief.
Reading a bizarre 200-word mission statement from his mobile phone, Harrison branded his critics "donkeys" and vowed "negativity will not deter me from climbing Everest" as he searched for "redemption".
Defeat by rugged Prizefighter winner Rogan would surely end his career, but the southpaw Londoner has pledged to produce something special at London ExCeL on Saturday.
"I wanted to be a world champion by 2004 or 2005 but didn't achieve that. When it happens it will happen, but it is going to happen," he said.
"As it didn't happen when I originally said it would, people want to hang me with it.
"I've seen the light, I will be heavyweight champion of the world. No doubt, 100%.
Positives
"I've made adjustments and got back on the horse. Every fight I have is last chance saloon. But I look in the mirror and see far more positives than negatives.
"I was booed after beating George Arias on points in September and everyone said it was a terrible fight. It wasn't a terrible fight at all.
"Against Rogan I'm going to let off all my guns. When that happens I won't be beaten."
Rogan, a relative newcomer to boxing who, at 37, has a flawless record of 10 victories, was unimpressed by Harrison's performance at Thursday's press conference.
"Harrison won his Olympic gold eight years ago, this is now. He's got a great future in preaching and a great future in climbing mountains," he said.
"He seems to be preaching a lot and he's been doing that for too long. He should go out and do what he's been talking about."
