Boxing: BBC secures Audley Harrison deal
The BBC has won the race to sign Olympic super-heavyweight gold medallist Audley Harrison.
The 6ft 7in giant has signed a two-year deal which gives the Corporation exclusive live UK television and radio rights to his fights.
His professional debut will be the first live bout shown by the BBC since Frank Bruno's one-round demolition of Jesse Ferguson in March 1994.
Harrison said: "I'm ready to help build British boxing back up in the public eye with the BBC."
The deal takes top-level boxing back to terrestrial television on a regular basis since the sport's wholesale switch to satellite in 1995.
And it represents a major coup for the BBC's new director of sport Peter Salmon, who beat off substantial offers from rival channels to secure the signature of a man whose heroics in Sydney turned him into one of the most recognisable sportsmen in Britain.
Salmon said: "When I first saw Audley fight I was overwhelmed by his commitment, self-belief and dedication.
"As I watched him win the gold medal I knew I had found the centrepiece of a new boxing initiative. An Olympic hero - a real inspiration for sports fans everywhere."
Since the demise of their Sportsnight programme in 1997 the BBC have relegated boxing to occasional highlights packages on their Saturday afternoon Grandstand programme.
But their desire to rebuild their sporting portfolio went hand in hand with Harrison's determination to maximise his appeal by showcasing his talents to the biggest possible audience.
Harrison added: "My ultimate aim is to be heavyweight champion of the world but first I've got to get a few wins under my belt and I'm looking forward to doing that live on the BBC."
Meanwhile the BBC have also announced they have secured exclusive terrestrial television rights to the World Amateur Championships in Belfast this June, and the Four Nations ABAs this April in Liverpool.
