Wilder reveals inspiration behind KO record

AUDLEY HARRISON’S career reaches yet another crossroads when he takes on Deontay Wilder — the heavyweight who draws inspiration from his eight-year-old daughter born with spina bifida.

Harrison faces unbeaten American KO specialist Wilder on Amir Khan’s undercard in Sheffield on April 27.
The 2000 Olympic gold medallist, 41, is chief support for Khan’s light-welterweight bout against Julio Diaz at the Motorpoint Arena and admits defeat would finally end his dream of winning the world heavyweight title.
But Wilder arrives in England with burning ambition of his own and insists Harrison will not be able to stop his astonishing 100 per cent return of 27 knockouts from 27 fights.
Wilder, who sparred David Haye before the Londoner took on heavyweight king Wladimir Klitschko, revealed: “I was 19 and in sports college when my little girl Naieya was born with spina bifida, which forced me to pursue my career elsewhere.
“We were told when she was still in the womb. It was scary. Most kids born with this disorder are paralysed in their wheelchairs but she’s not.”

DREAMING BIG ... Audley Harrison still believes he can win the heavyweight world title

Wilder, from Alabama, worked as a truck driver delivering beer and in fast food joints to provide for his family, taking up boxing just weeks before his 21st birthday.
Three years later he was part of the US Beijing Olympic team and was one of their few successes, winning a bonze.
He added: “I got out of college to work but then decided to box becasue I wanted to become a famous athlete.
“I didn’t have experience but something that couldn’t be measured was my heart. My heart was big, I was dedicated and every time I got in there I was fighting for my daughter.
“That was the biggest motivation I needed. I felt that everyone I fought was in the way of me being able to take care of her needs.
“Doctors said she would never be able to walk and never have a natural childhood when it came to learning.
“But not only is she walking, she’s running, she can do whatever she wants and she’s one of the smartest kids in her class.
“I think she gets that fighting heart from me because if she can see it, she can do it. In the same way as me, she’s got the fight, the will and the determination to learn and do what she needs.
She’s had many surgeries throughout her life but always finds a way to overcome and beat the odds against her. She may walk with a little limp but she doesn’t have any limits.
“Most definitely, that motivates me.”
Harrison has surprised many by continuing to earn a living from the fight game despite some stunning defeats.
But Wilder, who sparred A-Force before the Londoner was knocked out by David Price, is giving the big man due respect.
He insisted: “I’m prepared and have been in sparring camp with Audley. I take my job seriously, outside and inside the ring. I’m ready to go.
“I’ve had 27 fights and, every one of them, I knew what I needed to do — and that’s knock ‘em out.
“Many times I’ve hit guys and ended their careers. This is the power I bring and now he’s facing a young lion — a strong, dangerous guy. If he gets hit right that will retire him.
“It will not be an option, it will be a demand because that’s what I do. I end careers.
“He’s dealing with a guy that can definitely make retirement be a priority.”