Don't rush champ, says Audley's manager

Former world champion Colin McMillan today pleaded for patience over Audley Harrison's progress as a professional heavyweight.

McMillan, Harrison's manager, spoke out after the Olympic gold medallist had to take more criticism following a second-round stoppage of Polish nightclub bouncer Piotr Jurczyk in Glasgow on Saturday.

There was a mood of dismay in the crowd over the condition and performance of Harrison's opponent, who succumbed after a barrage of blows to the ribs. Last month, Harrison was jeered following his laboured victory by decision over factory worker Derek McCafferty in Newcastle.

McMillan said: "Despite what people think, Audley is not going to be an overnight success. Building a champion takes time. As a former world champion I know that to be true. You need the grounding and you need to develop.

"Unfortunately, the public aren't always aware of that. They see the Olympic champion and think he's going to run over everyone put in front of him and then, in 10 fights' time, he'll be facing Mike Tyson. But it doesn't work like that."

McMillan was one of Britain's most stylish fighters until a shoulder injury brought about the featherweight's demise. His experience is very important to 29-year-old Harrison.

McMillan said: "We talk through things and Audley respects that I have been there before. I can empathise with what he is going through and advise him on the right way to go forward."

That may involve a move to a training camp in the United States after Harrison's fourth professional fight on Saturday 1 December, which could be in London.

Veteran American trainer Thel Torrance wants to bring a new intensity to Harrison's training, and that will mean basing his charge in Las Vegas.

Torrance said: "I've got a gut instinct about Audley. If handled properly he has the potential to go all the way.

"Being in the right environment around world-class fighters in my gym would enhance him."