BBC SPORT | Boxing | Harrison: No more Mr Nice Guy

Audley Harrison said he feels he is shedding his "nice guy" tag after his bad-tempered win over Dominic Negus.

Critics of the Olympic champion say he has been unconvincing against no-hopers so far, and claim he must display a ruthless streak if he is to become world champion.

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But even though Negus is hardly the man to take Lennox Lewis' crown, Harrison said he was delighted to triumph in a fight which at times resembled a bar-room brawl.

Controversy mars victory

"I loved it," said Harrison, referring to the aggression of the fight .

Yes, he butted me but I coped with it without any problems

Audley Harrison

"I don't come from no pretty lifestyle. If they butt me and hit me low I will do it back."

But Harrison defended the punch which provoked Negus into attempting a headbutt during a fourth round which threatened to turn into unbridled mayhem.

"He went over and I didn't think he was down properly. He was going down and I wanted to make sure he stayed down. He wasn't fully down as far as I was concerned," he said.

But he made light of Negus' attempted headbutt.

"Yes, he butted me but this is boxing, it's swings and roundabouts. I coped with it without any problems."

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Audley Harrison celebrates victory
Harrison now has six wins as a professional

Negus, whose day job includes providing security for the likes of supermodel Claudia Schiffer, had promised he would make Harrison earn his money.

"I hope he goes all the way but I don't think he will because I hurt him a few times and I'm the smallest heavyweight out there," he said.

"He didn't hit as hard as I thought he would. My mum hits harder than that."

But Harrison said he was not worried about going the distance, claiming he would become a stronger fighter over time.

"You saw me go inside and in a year's time when I go inside I will be putting people away."

Harrison, already 30, will have to work fast to reach his target of becoming world heavyweight champion but he says: "I'm not afraid to put my neck on the line and if it doesn't happen I'll have fun doing it."

The one thing he is not prepared to do, however, is rush things.

"We are talking three or four years before I get where I want to be and we're going to take our time and not move along until I'm ready."


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