Harrison slams BBC over Hide fracas

Audley Harrison has launched a scathing attack on the BBC for the part he feels they played in the disturbances which followed his defeat of Mathew Ellis in Bethnal Green last month.

Herbie Hide, who had been invited to sit ringside by the BBC, taunted Harrison after the fight and pushed a woman as a stampede broke out in the London venue.

Immediately beforehand, Olympic champion Harrison marked his victory by seizing the ring microphone and asking fans whether his next opponent should be Frank Bruno – who was also present at the bout – or Hide.

Hide, who famously brawled with Michael Bentt at a pre-fight press conference in 1994, was visibly angered by the supporters’ chant of ‘Bruno, Bruno’ and reacted.

The British Boxing Board of Control fined Harrison £1,000 (€1,436) for his part in the shameful scenes, the promoter of the bout – Jess Harding – was given the same punishment, while Hide was fined £500 (€718).

However, Harrison believes the BBC should shoulder much of the blame for what happened.

He told his personal website, www.audleyharrison.com: “The Board have no jurisdiction over the BBC, but what was clearly established was if the BBC had decided to listen to the promoters of the event and the Boxing Board of Control, it’s very likely none of this would ever have happened.

“It was the BBC who decided it was a good editorial decision to have Herbie Hide ringside at my fight, they must accept some responsibly for their actions. Simon Block aired his concerns with Garry Richardson before the fight began, but the BBC chose to ignore it.

“The bottom line is, if the promoters and the Boxing Board of Control have no sway over the broadcaster and they feel they can do as they like for their own purposes then they should have to bear the brunt of the blame.

“I stand by my decision to ask my security to remove Hide from the ringside area and Garry Richardson was wrong to ask Herbie to remain, this only inflamed the situation.

“I plan to meet with the BBC to express how I feel; I’m fed up with everyone trying to goad me into fighting the latest heavyweight rival.

“First of all it was Danny Williams, when he gets exposed, Herbie Hide is wheeled out and all of a sudden Harrison v Hide is the fight they are trying to push.

“The funny thing is I’m supposed to be their golden nugget and this constant and blatant disregard for my feeling or career definitely contributed to my decision to base myself overseas.

“If Herbie was not there at ringside this whole sorry affair would not have occurred and the lessons that need to be learnt when conflict is apparent, must involve the BBC listening to the organiser and controllers of the sport and making decisions based on the the image of boxing rather than television controversy and drama.”

The security firm employed by Harrison – separate from the event security supplied by Headline – came in for fierce criticism after video footage clearly showed some of their members, wearing ‘A-Force Security’ T-shirts, involved in the chair-throwing melee.

Harrison admitted: “Members of the security team let the side down and one has already been dismissed and after this ruling I expect more will follow.

“I will not and cannot condone members of my team acting in such a way that puts my whole operation under scrutiny. Chair throwing and rowdiness will not be tolerated so once my internal review is finished I will be making some changes.”

However, the 31-year-old has hit back at being “found guilty in respect of comments he made directed at personnel along the BBC TV side of the ring which contributed to or exacerbated the situation”.

Harrison countered: “I am upset about the decision to find me guilty of words I may or may not have said at the ring apron whilst the situation was getting heated.

“Everyone has agreed that my actions in speaking on the microphone were only good-natured, to find me guilty of leaning over the ropes and maybe saying something is bizarre.

“I do have a course of appeal and at this stage it’s something I’m discussing with my legal advisor, but I do have good relationship with the Board and I wish it to continue.”

As for his feud with Hide one day resurfacing inside the ring, Harrison added: “Hide is a joker for real, make no mistake I want him and I want him bad.

“His time will come and when it does I’m going to beat him and knock him out of the sport of boxing for good.”