Audley Harrison's journey from Olympic gold medalist to boxing icon is a testament to his resilience and determination. In 2000, he made history by becoming the first British boxer to win a gold medal in the super-heavyweight division at the Sydney Olympics. Transitioning to professional boxing, Harrison faced both triumphs and challenges, ultimately retiring in 2013 after a notable career. Today, he has returned to the sport, not as a fighter, but as a manager and advisor, leveraging his extensive experience to guide the next generation of boxers.
Audley Hugh Harrison was born on October 26, 1971, in Park Royal, London, England. His early years were challenging, marked by involvement with street gangs and petty crime. At the age of 16, he was sentenced to three years in a young offenders institution for robbery and assault. This period of incarceration became a turning point in his life. Determined to change his path, Harrison decided to focus on boxing and education.
By the age of 24, he earned degrees in sports science and leisure management from Brunel University in London. This educational foundation played a significant role in his personal and professional development, enabling him to turn his life around and achieve his dreams.
Audley Harrison's amateur boxing career was both impressive and groundbreaking. Training at the Repton Amateur Boxing Club in Bethnal Green, London, he quickly ascended the ranks. In 1997, he clinched the British super heavyweight title by defeating Nick Kendall, and successfully defended his title in 1998 against Dean Redmond. That same year, Harrison secured a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, triumphing over Michael Macquae of Mauritius in the final.
His amateur journey culminated in a historic achievement at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, where he became the first British boxer to win Olympic gold in the super heavyweight division, defeating Mukhtarkhan Dildabekov of Kazakhstan. Following this victory, Harrison was honored with an MBE for his contributions to the sport.
Audley Harrison's professional boxing journey commenced in 2001, following his historic Olympic gold medal in Sydney. He began his career with a £1 million deal with BBC Sport, marking a significant milestone in British boxing history. In 2004, he secured the World Boxing Federation heavyweight title by defeating Richel Hersisia, and he successfully defended it twice. However, his career faced challenges, including a loss to Michael Sprott in 2007, which raised questions about his future in the sport.
Despite setbacks, Harrison made a strong comeback in 2009 by winning the Prizefighter tournament, defeating Scott Belshaw, Danny Hughes, and Coleman Barrett. This victory led to a European heavyweight title shot against Michael Sprott in 2010, where Harrison emerged victorious, avenging his earlier defeat. Later that year, he faced WBA Heavyweight Champion David Haye in a highly anticipated bout.
As of 2025, Audley Harrison's net worth is estimated at $5 million. He accumulated this wealth through various avenues during and after his boxing career. Harrison's professional journey began with a £1 million deal with the BBC to broadcast his first ten fights, marking a significant milestone in British boxing history. Throughout his career, he secured sponsorships and endorsements, further boosting his earnings.