In just 70 seconds, Audley Harrison likely reached the end of his career. That is 12 seconds quicker than he lost to David Price last year, the last time it appeared to be the end for the aging heavyweight.
This time, it came at the hands of Deontay Wilder, the undefeated, some say untested, heavyweight who has won all 28 of his professional fights by knockout. Following his impressive performance, the 6ft. 7in. American fighter called out another British fighter in Tyson Fury.
“I will come back to England whenever he wants to fight me,” he said.
Tyson Fury was less impressive last week when he knocked out Steve Cunningham in his U.S. debut. Despite the knockout, Fury himself felt the canvas at the hands of his much smaller foe. It wasn’t until the older, smaller fighter greatly faded that Fury was able to seize complete control. The fight would seem to be a great one from a marketing standpoint, while also serving to elevate one to legitimate contender status.
Photo: Lee Smith
Audley Harrison, on the other hand, seems to be out of options. While just throwing out a pawing jab for most of the brief fight, he had no answer for Wilder once he started throwing haymakers in the neutral corner. The barrage sent him sliding down the ropes, doing his best to defend himself before the referee started his count. Although he managed to beat the count, the contest was rightfully stopped, despite pleas from Harrison to let it continue.
“I beat the count,” Harrison said. “I was still in the fight, ready to fight.”
While he may believe he could have continued, it was obvious that he could not. The fight, as well as his career, should be over. He should cherish his gold medal earned in the Sydney Olympics, as well as his respectable professional career.
As for Wilder, things are just beginning. Having been carefully groomed by Golden Boy Promotions since his own Olympic medal winning performance, it is time to find out if he is the real deal, or just the product of brilliant matchmaking. One thing can’t be denied, although he may still be raw, he has some impressive power in his hands.
“It was a great performance,” Wilder said, “and a long time coming. I am going to be the next champion of the world. Nobody can stop my power. When I feel a face in my glove, it excites me.
“As soon as I hit him, the fight was over. His eyes were in the back of his head. I am a beast with a God-given talent but experience can take you only so far. Nobody can stop me.”
