Boxing: Harrison lines up publican as next opponent

Audley Harrison's opponent when he returns to action next month will be a man who has fought just once in four years.

The reigning Olympic super-heavyweight champion will meet Greg Wedlake, a 32-year-old pub manager from Bristol, at the Wembley Conference Centre on Saturday 20 April. Wedlake has won all his six professional fights, but took a long time out after the first five before returning in December to climb off the floor and beat the Welsh journeyman Mal Rice, who retired with a dislocated shoulder.

Harrison met the inevitable criticism over the choice of opponent head-on, claiming: "The key thing for me is my development and where I intend to be down the road. Obviously I am going to learn something. I am here for the long haul and I am making no apologies for my opponents, I will be in hard fights down the road, but I am not rushing my career."

Harrison added that he is following the same route into professional boxing as Lennox Lewis and the British and Commonwealth holder Danny Williams, who were fed their share of easy early opponents.

"I would love Danny Williams to go on and win a world title and then maybe we can meet." But only, he insists, when he is ready. Harrison, who has not fought since suffering a chest injury in October, said: "No one's going to be rushing me."

Harrison has been back in training since New Year's Day and claims he will be in far better condition than in his first three professional fights. "Look at me, my face is slim and I am looking beautiful," he said. "You are looking at an 18st guy who will be dancing like an Adonis."