Harrison: Williams not good enough

Harrison says Williams should forget about world titles

By Sanjeev Shetty BBC Sport Online

Audley Harrison believes that domestic heavyweight rival Danny Williams is not world class.

Williams retains British title

And Harrison believes that the British and Commonwealth champion will never reach the highest level.

Speaking at an open-air public workout in East London, Harrison gave his verdict on Williams points win over Keith Long in defence of his British title on Tuesday.

If he goes to the European stage and fights for a European title, he'll be doing very well.

Audley Harrison

"Danny ain't getting much better than that - I don't care what he says or what his team says," Harrison told BBC Sport.

"He's been a pro for eight years, he's a good domestic fighter and if he goes to the European stage and fights for a European title, he'll be doing very well.

"But forget about world class honours."

While admitting that his stamina in fights has been poor, Harrison firmly believes that he can move up to Williams' level within a year.

"I'm not too far behind him from a technical point of view - obviously in terms of conditioning, those guys can do 12 rounds - I can't.

"The main thing we're working on is conditioning - as the press rightly say, I struggle to do six rounds.

A tough night's work

"But I might be a year off from doing 12 rounds comfortably."

Harrison returns to the ring on 5 October against American Wade Lewis, with the fight taking place at the Liverpool Olympia.

And Harrison believes the fight is another part of the learning curve which will take him from Olympic to world champion.

"I'm going to have to deal with a shorter guy who can punch - I haven't faced a guy like this yet."