Harrison admits

Harrison turned professional in 2000 after winning Olympics gold but his career has largely been disappointing since.

His fight against Michael Sprott for the vacant European Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace on Friday could be his last - Harrison, 38, will retire if defeated but if he wins will target the world heavyweight crown.

"In 2000 I was the talk of the town but I slipped from a mountain top," said Harrison. "Now I’m climbing back up and in 2010 I will take my position as the man at the top of the heavyweight division.

"In 2004, when I was 17-0, Ring Magazine had me as the future of heavyweight boxing but I went off track.

"I’m not happy with my career as my goal is to be world champion and I won’t be satisfied until my career goal is achieved. I will win a world championship before I retire.

"The winner of this fight gets a guaranteed top-10 ranking in the WBC rankings so I’m really excited.

"I’m mentally, physically and spiritually ready and it’s my time to be back on top.

"I’ve got the talent and everything that’s needed to be a World Heavyweight Champion. I’m training really hard and I’m looking so good in the gym it’s scary. It’s been a long road but I feel I’m back at my best.”

Sprott knocked Harrison out in the third round of their English title fight in 2007 but the Londoner has vowed to avenge the defeat.

"Now god has given me the chance to rectify my loss against Michael Sprott," added Harrison. "I knocked him down in the first round but made a terrible error and fair play to Michael he capitalised.

"Having this opportunity to fight for the European title and fight Michael Sprott is a blessing.

"The result is going to be an Audley Harrison victory. It could be a knockout but that depends on how brave Michael Sprott is. But he will be taking a lot of punishment and whatever he brings I’ll have an answer and be ready for it."