Harrison suffers first round KO at hands of heavyweight hope

The man who talks such a good fight thought he had one last special one in him. He was spectacularly wrong.

Audley Harrison lasted just 82 brutal seconds against the new big hope of British heavyweight boxing, David Price, at the Liverpool Echo Arena. At 40, it must surely be the end of the Londoner’s controversial and ultimately unfulfilled career.

Brutal: David Price celebrates after knocking out Audley Harrison in the first round

Price had respect neither for age nor the reputation of Harrison, an Olympic gold medal winner 12 years ago, and gave 8,000 raucous Merseyside fans a satisfying, if curtailed, performance.

The 29-year-old Beijing bronze medallist did exactly what he needed to do to retain his British and Commonwealth heavyweight titles and enhance his reputation with the 12th knock-out in his 14 winning fights since turning professional three years ago.

On the front foot: Price takes the fight to Harrison

On his way: Price goes in to finish off Harrison

Harrison was left with a broken nose and concussion and ended the night in hospital.

Price said: ‘I would have liked more rounds but I have done a number on him and surprised myself.’
Harrison entered the ring to the theme from Rocky and many gave him about as much chance as the cinematic underdog in Price’s backyard.To rub it in, the Scouser made his entry to a rousing rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Going down: Price sends Harrison crashing to the canvas

Out for the count: Harrison lies on the floor after being knocked down