Colin's latest education

McMillan (left) says he has learnt from Harrison's debut

By BBC Sport Online's Sanjeev Shetty

Few boxers experienced a career as respected as former world featherweight champion Colin McMillan.

'Sweet C' as he was known lost just three fights and earned a reputation as a smart guy in and out the ring.

So when a man recognised for his integrity in the shady world of boxing became the target for criticism because of his work as a manager, it was obvious the words would hurt.

Specifically his performance as Audley Harrison's manager for the Olympic gold medallist's professional debut.

Before Harrison's professional debut, the fighter's opponent Mike Middleton accused McMillan and promoter Jess Harding of many things, and none of them were nice.

Now it's all systems go and we're looking to get the career well and truly under way

Colin McMillan

As one would expect in boxing, the accusations were based on money matters and they were more than short arm jabs.

"It wasn't something that I appreciated," says McMillan on reflection.

"It was an education and an introduction into the world of managing fighters in professional boxing."

McMillan was also exposed to criticism from the press, something he seldom received as a fighter. He admits that it was only after certain writers apologised did he feel vindicated.

He is someone who will provide a decent test for Audley

McMillan on McCafferty

But people in boxing need to have thick skin and McMillan remains as positive as ever about all things Audley, especially his second fight against Derek McCafferty in Newcastle on 23 September.

"After all the expectation for the first time - we wanted momentum. Now it's all systems go and we're looking to get the career well and truly under way."

McMillan's reference is to the unwanted postponement of the fight in July.

After harsh criticism of the choice of the first opponent, McMillan truly believes that team Audley have the right man this time.

"We looked at various opponents and in McCafferty we have a big strong guy who has already fought a number of the top guys, three of whom are in the top ten.

"He is someone who will provide a decent test for Audley."

With Harrison turning 30 later this year, boxing observers in this country believe that the Audley train has to move fast in order to capitalise on the extraordinary publicity generated through his Olympic triumphs.

The likeable southpaw has certainly done the rounds, appearing in men's magazines such as FHM and also doing a fair bit of television.

Middleton: Possibly not on McMillan's Christmas card list

But for now, his business is fighting and McMillan says his learning curve in the ring will not be compromised.

"The plan is to embark on his education - he is still relatively new to the game and all fighters have to have that period when they adapt to the professional ranks."

Further down the road, the team expect to see Harrison fight for the titles that Lennox Lewis held - British, European and Commonwealth, before the inevitable world title bid.

"It's all dependant on what is available at the time."

For now, McMillan will settle for the Harrison show to take in two more fights - excluding the McCafferty bout - at least this year, with one definitely taking place in Britain and the other possibly abroad.