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Audley Harrison to Return in April Against Ali Adams

Audley Harrison returns to the ring in April to face Ali Adams. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Audley Harrison returns to the ring in April to face Ali Adams. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Forgotten British heavyweight Audley Harrison will return to the ring in April against Ali Adams.

Harrison's return comes 18 months after his embarrassing defeat to David Haye in November 2010 when challenging for the WBA Heavyweight title.

The 40-year-old will now lace his gloves up once more to face Adams in a ten round clash in Brentwood on April 14th. Speaking to Sky Sports, Harrison explained his disappointment in defeat to Haye, and was grateful for the opportunity to return to the ring.

"I've never been more disappointed in myself as I felt that night (against Haye). Anyone can lose, but I didn't lose with dignity, so I was never going to retire off that performance. I've been sitting here on the shelf for 15 months, so I'm grateful for this opportunity. With my right arm healed, I'll have too much for Ali Adams and I intend to show I still have a future in the game."

Iraq-born Adams is ten years younger than Harrison and has won 13 and lost three of his 17 fights. In 2010 he appeared in Prizefighter and lost by unanimous decision to former British and European heavyweight champion Matt Skelton.

Despite being a relatively unknown fighter, Adams has branded Harrison a joke and believes he has what it takes to beat him and stop his career once and for all.

"Audley is a joke. His fight with Haye was an embarrassment and he still wants to comeback. I will give him such a beating that Audley will see he does not belong in a boxing ring again."

During his exile Harrison starred on reality TV show Strictly Come Dancing, showing some fairly wooden movements that we normally see within the ring. The media circus leading up to the Haye fight surrounded Harrison's self belief that he never stopped thinking he could be World Champion. A minority of fans believed him, and I guess you have to admire his determination...or would you call it stupidity? Harrison is a frustrating fighter to watch, he has power but seems too lethargic. As a regular (bored) viewer of his fights I just wish he would come out and take some chances, instead of hiding behind the jab.

The fight in April should be an easy comeback for Harrison, but with his past you never know, he could be humiliated again. I expect Harrison to win in a dull fashion and during his post-fight conference claim he is back where he belongs and one day that belt will be around his waist.

What do you guys think to Harrison's comeback? Should he return to the ring or hang up his gloves?

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