Boxing

Audley Harrison's response to the British Boxing Board of Control's Decision

By Audley Harrison

20.06 - Thought I'd catch up with you and give you all the low down on what's been happening in the world of A-Force over the last few weeks.

I am now in LA having flown in from London yesterday to see Lennox beat up Vitali Klitschko at the Staples Center tomorrow night before cracking on with my own plans.

I'd just like to say that I am upset about the decision to find me guilty of words I may or may not of said at the ring apron whilst the situation was getting heated after my last fight. Everyone has agreed that my actions in speaking on the microphone were only good-natured, to find me guilty of leaning over the ropes and maybe saying something is bizarre!

The Board have no jurisdiction over the BBC, but what was clearly established was if the BBC had decided to listen to the Promoters of the Event and the Boxing Board of Control, it's very likely none of this would ever have happened. It was the BBC who decided it was a good editorial decision to have Herbie Hide ringside at my fight, they must accept some responsibly for their actions. Simon Block aired his concerns with Garry Richardson before the fight began, but the BBC chose to ignore it.

The bottom line is, if the promoters and the Boxing Boxing Board of Control have no sway over the Broadcaster and they feel they can do as they like for their own purposes then they should have to bear the brunt of the blame. I stand by my decision to ask my security to remove Hide from the ringside area and Garry Richardson was wrong to ask Herbie to remain, this only inflamed the situation.

I plan to meet with the BBC to express how I feel; I'm fed up with everyone trying to goad me into fighting the latest heavyweight rival. First of all it was Danny Williams, when he gets exposed, Herbie Hide, who the BBC last saw on an A-Force/Jess Harding show, is wheeled out and all of a sudden Harrison vs. Hide is the fight they are trying to push.

The funny thing is I'm supposed to be their golden nugget and this constant and blatant disregard for my feeling or career definitely contributed to my decision to base myself overseas. If Herbie was not there at ringside this whole sorry affair would not have occurred and the lessons that need to be learnt when conflict is apparent, must involve the BBC listening to the organiser and controllers of the sport and making decisions based on the image of boxing rather than television controversy and drama.

Herbie was found guilty of pushing a woman and fined £500. As was clearly seen on the video, it was that push that caused the situation to escalate and in my opinion the fine does not reflect that.

Hide is a joker for real, make no mistake I want him and I want him bad, his time will come and when it does I'm going to beat him and knock him out of the sport of boxing for good

I know Hide and his entourage will try to goad me and try to make me react outside of the ring but I've promised myself to hold it down until the time is right and we are in the ring.

Members of the security team let the side down and one has already been dismissed and after this ruling I expect more will follow. I will not and cannot condone members of my team acting in such a way that puts my whole operation under scrutiny. Chair throwing and rowdiness will not be tolerated so once my internal review is finished I will be making some changes.

I do have a course of appeal and at this stage it's something I'm discussing with my legal advisor, but I do have good relationship with the Board and I wish it to continue. I'm also awaiting the final outcome of the Board decision on whether Hazel and I have been successful in obtaining our promoters licence and I hope the decision made on Wednesday night does not affect our chances as I know the Southern Area Council recommended to the board that we should be granted a licence for the good of boxing, which I believe A-Force Promotions serves well.

Finally, I would like to clarify reports that I walked out of a meeting with BBC officials regarding my future deal, I would like to say yes, our negotiations did break down, but it was not over money or opponents. All I will say is that A-Force comes with Audley Harrison and Audley Harrison comes with A-Force and that's the dream and vision I created in January 2001 when A-Force Promotions was formed, I don't intend to change that vision for no one including the BBC.

Fortunately, the two parties were able to come back to the table and I'm glad my British fans will still get to see my progress, and I wish to let them know that I'm determined to prove my doubters and critics wrong. I have some exciting news to announce regarding my next promotion and I expect A-Force Promotions to close this off next week.

Silence is great if you are prepared to be victimised and do not have the courage and fortitude to fight back, or you are guilty of something and therefore have to tread carefully. I am neither of the above and that is why I'm letting my fans know what's up. I stay in LA until Tuesday than I head up to New York, where I'm hoping to be in a position to announce my plans towards the end of the week.

Just want to say Good luck Lennox, stay focused and take your time and you will be victorious

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