Harrison pay withheld?

Former Olympic gold medallist Harrison was pilloried for his efforts - or lack of them - in a fight which saw him fail to land a single meaningful punch on Haye.

And the British Boxing Board of Control have confirmed that they will consider withholding Harrison's pay for the bout.

"It is a very difficult course to take to stop someone getting paid when they have just frozen. But rescinding some or all of Audley Harrison's purse is something which we will have to consider," said BBBofC secretary Robert Smith.

"You have to bear in mind it was such a let-down for the 22,000 at the MEN Arena and the thousands watching at home.

"The Board have rescinded purses on many occasions when we feel a fighter has not tried.

"Harrison just froze. He did nothing all night. It was a let-down for the fans and the TV audience."

Promoter Frank Warren believed that the board would be justified if they were to refuse Harrison his pay-out.

"The Board have withheld purses for a whole lot less than this," said Warren.

"This was a joke and the laugh is on fans who paid to watch one of the worst, no THE worst fight I have ever seen.

"I've said Harrison doesn't have a fighting heart but I'll correct that and says he doesn't have a heart because he showed absolutely nothing in seven minutes and 53 seconds to suggest he does.

"Harrison waved his arm around in the air like he was trying to swot flies. There was certainly a bit of a stink hanging around this one.

"They should give the money to the ex-boxers benevolent fund, they have done more to deserve it than Harrison ever could."

Warren's fellow promoter Frank Maloney, who masterminded Lennox Lewis's career, echoed the call.

"Harrison should be locked up for impersonating a fighter," he said.

"If the Board let Harrison have his purse it is sending out totally the wrong message."