Harrison to deliver on WBA promise

It may have been a decade since Audley Harrison promised he would become WBA world champion, but now he says he's ready to deliver.

The 39-year-old set himself the goal of gaining the title when he turned professional after winning gold for Great Britain at the 2000 Olympics.

Now the European champion is warning his latest opponent he faces a big challenge.

Harrison faces David Haye on November 13 at Manchester's MEN Arena. Both know each other well as they are former sparring partners.

Harrison said: "David Haye will be in the fight of his life. Every second, ever minute, every round I will be in his face.

"He will have to break my spirit and break my heart. Trust me. It is my destiny to be a world champion."

Harrison taunted the reigning champion over rumours that he was knocked down in training by his sparring partner Tony Thompson.

"I heard Tony Thompson knocked him down in training," said Harrison.

"Tony Thompson is not a puncher, David Haye, I am. If Tony Thompson is knocking you down, what the hell am I going to do to you?"

Harrison has been training at Repton Boxing Club in Bethnal Green, where he prepared for his Olympic triumph in 2000 that launched a chequered professional career.