After injury, uncertainty and a patient turn with the waiting game, Olympic gold medallist Audley 'A-Force' Harrison (17-0, 12KOs) will make his much awaited return to the ring on June 9 against rugged Billy Zumbrun (17-6-1, 9KOs) who recently lost a close and what some boxing enthusiasts felt unfair decision to former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe.
The bout will be nationally televised live on America's Fox Sports Network's Best Damn Sports Show Period.
"The wait is over for me and my fans," said an excited Harrison. "On June 9 people will realise I am ready to begin the next phase of my career that will end up with the heavyweight championship of the world."
Harrison suffered an injury to his left hand (a ligament tear to his index finger) last autumn that ruled him out of action for the remainder of 2004 and early 2005. "I feel in great shape, my fitness is excellent and my hand has fully healed," said Harrison. "I have always said 2005 would be the year I go for it and coming back on national television in the United States is a testament to the seriousness of what I plan to do."
The card, promoted by California-based Goossen Tutor Promotions, will take place at the Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, California, the same location as Zumbrun's fight against Bowe, which was also televised on the BDSSP. Zumbrun, from Ogden, Utah, has been active in the last couple months and will bring experience and toughness into the ring against Harrison.
"Billy had a great fight against Bowe and many of the fans thought he won," said Goossen. "He has the confidence now to fight against a younger heavyweight like Audley and it should be a great showcase for Audley to let the fans see where he is in the heavyweight division today."
The layoff wasn't easy for the heavyweight, particularly after an active first half of 2004 that saw him fight three times in a four month period with his last fight prior to injury on June 19 against Tomasz Bonin in England.
"Audley was moving forward with every fight, developing his skills and advancing his career at a fast pace before he suffered that unfortunate injury," said Hazel Bruno-Gilbert, Harrison's Business Manager. "As much frustration as the media and his fans have expressed, his was greater. It will be fantastic for everyone to see him back in action and fighting soon in the States."
Harrison has relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada and has asked boxing advisor Al Haymon to join his team. Haymon, who works with many of today's boxing stars including Antonio Tarver, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Vernon Forrest, Jermain Taylor and Vassiliy Jirov, is excited about helping Harrison reach the heavyweight throne.
"The heavyweight division, and boxing in general, needs an Audley Harrison to help invigorate the sport at this time," said Haymon. "He embodies all the attributes of some of the past great heavyweights who helped propel the sport to levels of extreme popularity."
Haymon continued: "Harrison has that rare combination of God-given ability and skill, coupled with intellect and charisma that makes him the complete package. I think he can transcend the sport and become a mainstream superstar."
Harrison has returned to full training and is diligently preparing for his June 9 fight. "It has been a frustrating time for me but I am very excited to be back and desperate to fight," said Harrison.
"By June 9th, my engine will be revved up and on full throttle as I finally get the chance to step back into the ring and continue my quest to the top."
