Audley Harrison's Christmas message

For the record, this was written on the 17th of December:

Audley Speaks

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Audley speaks about 2009, plans for future, the heavyweight division and Danny Williams

WHEN AM I BOXING AGAIN?
I was supposed to be on the card at York Hall this Friday, but the powers that be decided against it, which was frustrating. I had been in the gym for 3 weeks before the decision was made. I’ll be waiting to see whose hand is raised on Friday night and hope to get the winner early next year for the European Title, but it’s boxing, so we will see. 2010 is make or break, so I’ll be giving it my all to make a real impact and achieve my goals.

HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION
After David’s snooze-fest to win the title and Vitali’s lackluster defence against blank bullets Kevin Johnson, who speaks more than me, I can see how critics get frustrated with the heavyweight division.

Vitali was likely jaded after his fight with Arreola as he went straight back to the gym. As a heavyweight that’s hard to do and Kevin Johnson did not come to fight as promised, so I cut Vitali a little slack. Four fights against top-class opponents in just over a year should be commended; remember he was off for four years.

I am surprised how the media can’t keep it real when it comes to other fighters. Anyone who knows boxing acknowledges David got a gift with Valuev and understands he is NOT the saviour of the division. His trash talking is good, as it brings attention, but here in America, David’s performance was heavily criticised, as many thought he did not do enough to win.

I am still pleased he got the result, but he needs a solid win against Ruiz if he wants the Americans networks to throw money his way. I can tell him that HBO’s darling is Chris Arreola and they will make David fight him, if he wants HBO money.

Expect to see some good quality heavyweights matches next year, as the Klitschko brothers, Chambers, Povetkin, Tua, Haye and yours truly all have potentially exciting match ups.

DANNY WLLIAMS
After the bizarre decision by the British Boxing Board of Control to allow Danny Williams to keep his British Title, he has made the shocking announcement that he is a SHOT fighter and he is retiring after his next bout, win or lose. I agree he is shot, but to admit it, is rather bizarre.

Everything Danny says I take with a pinch of salt as he doesn’t know if he’s coming or going. He said he would retire after I beat him, so let’s see if he’s true to his word. His Prizefighter loss was so embarrassing after all his talk about me; I’m surprised he has the motivation to train again.

Win (possible) or lose, he said he would train to become a celebrity bodyguard. Well, as he always refers to me a celebrity boxer, he can rest assured, I’ll become his first employer and he can work for me when I’m in town.

GOOD BYE 2009
Well it’s been a tough year for many people, personally and professionally. I recently had more personal sadness to deal with, but I trust in God and know everything happens for a reason. When things are going good we run ahead and never thank our blessings or God. In times of stress and heartache we often become spiritual or religious. Try to keep the faith and stay positive in times of despair.

In 2010 aim high, live right and as the late great Michael Jackson would say, if you need to change anything ‘look in the mirror’ and start there; all your answers will be found.

For my doubters and critics, let’s try something new in 2010. When I say ‘YES I CAN’ you say ‘WHY NOT’. It will not hurt you to say or think ‘why not Audley, if he wants to aim high, let him’. It will not hurt your life if I achieve my goals or not, so uplift yourselves and wish me well.

Give it a try.

Merry Christmas and Happy holidays.