London, March 18, 2004 — At today’s press conference at the Wembley Plaza Hotel in London, Olympic Heavyweight Champion Audley Harrison (14-0, 10KOs) and WBF Heavyweight Champion Richel “The Dutch Sonny Liston” Hersisia (21-0, 16KOs,) met face to face prior to their WBF Heavyweight title fight Saturday at Wembley Arena. “It feels great to be back in England to challenge for a world title,” said Harrison. “I am in great shape and ready for the first twelve round contest of my career.”
Richel Hersisia listened to Harrison and scoffed. “I am in great shape and I have come here to defend my title. I don’t pay attention to all of Audley’s talk because at the end of the day, I will be taking my belt back to Holland with me.” Olaf Schroder manager to Hersisia stated “There is a lot of hype surrounding Harrison and its time he stepped in with someone who represents a real challenge. I don’t think Harrison is going to cope with the pressure of Hersisia for 12 rounds, and I believe this will be a routine defence for Richel before we move him over to the States to face the elite heavyweights in the division.”>
The fight is being promoted by Lion Promotions in association with Sports Entertainment and Media, and A-Force Promotions, who are delighted to have Lennox Lewis and his company, on board as official co-promoters of the event. “We are more than thrilled that Lion Promotions and SEM are our co-promoters for Audley’s first fight,” said Hazel Bruno-Gilbert, Business Manager for Audley Harrison. “Lennox Lewis and his company represent the highest standard in boxing and we appreciate their support for Audley.”
Although he was unable to attend the press conference today, Lennox Lewis sent a message through his SEM representative in attendance Jerome Anderson. “I think Audley Harrison is the shining star of British heavyweight boxing and I look forward to seeing him fight when I am ringside Saturday night.”
“It means a lot to me to have Lennox ringside for the fight,” said Harrison. “He’s already given me great advice and I appreciate his respect for my talent. You know Lennox isn’t going to waste him time with any ‘no hopers’.”
The Hersisia vs Harrison fight is due in the ring at 9.30pm and the fight will air on the BBC later that evening on a tape delay basis at 11.10pm. “I know it’s not “THE” title, but this is definitely a step-up for me,” said Harrison. “Personally, I rank Richel’s skills and ability above the domestic competition here in Great Britain.”
Harrison continued. “Richel is ranked in the European top 10, he has a championship and he is an undefeated fighter. Plus, he does have a title, and regardless of its importance in boxing, it’s the fighters that makes the belt. A victory over Hersisia means a championship, an elevated forward movement in my career and an immediate move up in the rankings.”
THE UNDERCARD
In addition to the championship fight, the presser was attended by Nicky Cook, Carl Greaves and Carl Johanneson who will all be appearing on the show. The complete undercard includes two championship fights—current Commonwealth champion Nicky Cook (22-0, 13KO’s) will challenge current European champion Cyril Thomas (22-0-3, 5KOs) for the European Featherweight title and current champion Carl Greaves will face Carl Johanneson (16-1, 8KOs,) for the WBF super featherweight title. Also, late edition cruiserweight David Haye (8-0, 8KOs) will face Hastings Rasani (9-12-1.
Promoter: A-Force Promotions in association with Lion Promotions and Chris and Jamie Sanigar. Matchmaker: Harry Holland, Venue: Wembley Arena – Capacity 5000, Broadcaster: BBC