Audley Harrison stopped American no-hoper Michael Midleton inside round one of his professional debut at Wembley tonight and then declared: "I've still got a lot to learn."
Olympic gold medallist Harrison, who outweighed his opponent by over two stones in one of boxing's classic mismatches, was defiant when questioned on the inevitable criticism that will arise from his detractors."What people havegot to realise is that Audley Harrison is the Olympic champion as an amateur. I'm a professional now and I've got a lot to learn and it's going totake time.
"If I was to fight the best now I would be out of my depth. It took Manchester United four years to win the European Cup and the Press will haveto be patient with me."
Gulf War veteran Midleton stormed out of his corner at the bell and threw an outrageous right hand that just missed the target, but after thatHarrison's extra power and reach brought about a swift conclusion.
A series of heavy blows to Midleton’s head and body had the Florida-based underdog backing off into a corner halfway through the opening roundand after he sank to the canvas the referee stepped in to stop the bout.
"It's just good to get in there," added Harrison afterwards. "It was my first contest and it felt good, I just wish there had been more of it.
"I was doing what my corner wanted me to do. My body shots round the outside were working and I'm quite happy.
"I've learned a lot. It's been a big occasion for boxing, for the BBC and for myself. You need a lot of mental fortitude to go in there and I've shownI'm able to focus on what I have to do.
"I performed to my potential. A first round knockout, there's lots to take away and there's a long way to go, but so far, so good."
PA