Will Harrison return to the UK?

The 2000 Olympic champion's future has been under intense scrutiny since his last fight against Matthew Ellis on 31 May.

A ringside brawl involving Herbie Hide marred the event and Harrison has been asked to attend a hearing at the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC).

"I have thought long and hard about this and have decided to transfer to the United States for a short while as I still have a lot to learn," said Harrison.

The move will provide me with a fresh outlook and some different and exciting opportunities and challenges Audley Harrison

"While I believe my last contest against Matthew Ellis was my best performance so far in my career, I would like to accelerate the learning curve by working intensively with my trainer Thell Torrence in America.

"The move will provide me with a fresh outlook and some different and exciting opportunities and challenges."

Harrison blamed for brawl

Harrison's business manager Hazel Bruno-Gilbert hinted that the reaction to the scuffle at the Ellis' fight may have convinced her client to go abroad.

"The events of recent weeks have saddened Audley and after careful consideration and discussions, the decision has been made to base Audley in America until the end of 2003," she said.

"A-Force Promotions is thankful to the BBC for their understanding in this matter and Audley is pleased that his British fans will still get the opportunity to see his performances on terrestrial television."

The BBC will still broadcast Harrison's fights, but this latest agreement means that the 31-year-old is no closer to fights with British champion Danny Williams, Hide or Frank Bruno.

"The BBC wish Audley all the best for the next stage of his boxing development, we look forward to broadcasting his overseas fights," said Mike Lewis, BBC's Head of Boxing Strategy.

Harrison, who has won all 11 of his professional contests, will base himself in New York and Las Vegas but first will attend a hearing at the BBBC on Wednesday to discuss the events that followed his fight with Ellis.