Ananova:

Former undisputed world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis is backing Audley Harrison's bid to follow in his footsteps.

The recently retired Lewis has previously hailed Harrison as "the future" of British heavyweight boxing.

And now he is putting his money where his mouth is by co-promoting the Olympic gold medallist's next bout against Richel Hersisia at Wembley Arena on March 20.

Hersisia, billed as 'The Dutch Sonny Liston', is unbeaten like Harrison and currently holds the lightly regarded WBF title.

"We are more than thrilled that Lion Promotions has agreed to co-promote Audley's title fight," said Hazel Bruno-Gilbert, business manager for Audley Harrison.

"This association reinforces Audley's positioning as the most realistic choice among British heavyweights to become a future world champion."

Harrison has won all 14 of his pro bouts while Hersisia is 21-0, with 16 of those wins coming inside the distance.

"This is definitely a step-up for me as Hersisia is ranked in the European top 10, he has a championship and he is an undefeated fighter," said Harrison.

"I think his skills and ability is above the domestic competition here in Great Britain.

"He has a title, regardless of its importance in boxing, and a victory over Hersisia means a championship, an elevated forward movement in my career and an immediate move up in the rankings.

"I believe I am the future of the heavyweight division and I plan to become the champion of the world.

"I have so far done everything I have set out to do and what I said I was going to do. It won't be any different now."

The fight will be shown on BBC later the same night.

	Related stories: Lennox tips Harrison for bigger things 13:22 Sunday 21st March 2004 Harrison hails retiring Lewis 17:38 Friday 6th February 2004 More related stories

	Check for more on: Lennox Lewis Audley Harrison Heavyweight Boxing

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