British boxer Audley Harrison has decided to return to the ring, just 20 days after he announced his retirement from the sport.
The 41-year-old called time on his career earlier this month after he was knocked out by American Deontay Wilder in just 70 seconds.
He said at the time: "I've done well to turn my life around, but sadly my dream to be a legitimate world champion will be unrealised."
However, having given the decision some consideration, the Olympic gold medalist at the 2000 Sydney Games has opted to restart his career.
"When I made the tough decision to walk away from boxing, I knew it was not going to be easy," he said in a statement. "As the days passed, I knew I would not be able to live with the decision. I wrestled with it for a few weeks, and spoke to everyone from the boxing board, to Lennox Lewis, David Haye, my dad, wife and many others. Ultimately seeing my son born crystallized my decision'.
"There is no way I am going to tell my son, 'I gave up because I didn't want to climb the mountain again, I didn't want to dust myself off again' when I'm now in the best shape of my career? How can I retire, when I know I have another shot in me?"
"We all saw how the fight ended, which was not right. I can't walk away with that performance. If I do, it would haunt me until I'm old and grey. Don't know where, but see you in a ring real soon."
Harrison had ended his stint with seven defeats in 38 fights.
Liam Apicella
