Inside Lines: Frank talk as Harrison boxes the Beeb's ears

Exactly what is behind Audley Harrison's decision to come out fighting, ditch likeable Colin McMillan, who was always his manager in name only, and one of his American trainers, badmouth the BBC and clobber his critics in the process? Big Audley gave an extraordinary one-man performance at a press conference last week, stopping short only of a Sinatra-style rendering of "My Way". But that was his message. He says that from now on he won't be told what to do, or who to fight, by anyone (was he ever?), and that includes the Beeb. This may explain why no new long-term contract has been agreed, his next televised appearance, against Blackpool's lightly-regarded Matthew Ellis, at London's York Hall on 31 May being a one-fight only deal. After that, he says, he is open to offers – and he's even willing to talk turkey with Frank Warren, the Sky promoter who has consistently derided him. The Olympic super-heavyweight champion reveals that he and Warren are actually on speaking terms, having met up when they walked together with Michael Watson on his London Marathon trek. "I patted him on the back and he turned round and said 'You cheeky sod'. I've no argument with Frank. He gets my name in the papers." Even if it is as "Fraudley". So will Harrison end up fighting for the well-contacted Warren? "Anything is possible," he says. There's another alternative, of course. "If I don't get a deal in England I'll go and box in America for peanuts." The the name Bruno figures much in his fighting future. Forget Frank. This is Hazel Bruno-Gilbert, a long-standing associate, who is taking care of business. Harrison is also applying for a promoter's licence. As if he needs one to promote himself.

Amateurs lose out on a vested interest

Prospects of a repeat of Audley Harrison's gold medal achievement for Britain in next year's Athens Olympics hit the canvas last week with the decision of ABA featherweight champion Kevin Mitchell to turn pro. Frank Warren, who has signed him, reckons the 18-year-old is boxing's Wayne Rooney, though he is a rather better talker. Mitchell is believed to have accepted a near six-figure sum to forsake possible Olympic glory and with five of the Commonwealth Games team, including star heavyweight David Haye, having already swapped codes, the Athens outlook is bleak. Mitchell, a silver medallist in the last Junior Olympics, certainly has the potential to become a world champion but his early defection will alarm the amateur body. According to Harrison it is their own fault. "I led a march on Downing Street to get a better deal for the amateurs before the last Olympics," he say. "What is happening now is a travesty. There is so little incentive for good kids like Mitchell to stay amateur." Londoner Mitchell himself says he is sorry to be missing out on Athens, "but it has always been my dream to be a pro".

Sweet FA get their Snickers in a twist

The ongoing rumpus, first revealed here, over the Government's hasty endorsement of a Cadbury's scheme to flog more chocolate products to schoolkids via sport, has an unusual sequel. It seems the Football Association are poised to appoint a man from Mars to help them work, rest and play. Peter Littlewood, a US-based marteting executive with the confectioners who manufacture Mars and Snickers bars, is apparently the new favourite to become their chief executive ahead of the ex-Tranmere player Mark Palios. In view of their parlous financial plight, some might consider Palios, now a successful City money man, a better option than a chocolate soldier. Have the FA got their Snickers in a twist? Again.

No doubt Richard Caborn, ear-bashed by sports bodies demanding to know if and when they are going to get some money out of Government coffers, will be happy to take refuge in Athens among fellow European sports ministers.

This week's gathering in the Olympic city could be one of the reasons why Caborn has been critical of the FA's softly-softly approach to the drugs issue, for progress on anti-doping is high on the agenda, alongside a debate on the economic and social importance of the Olympics. Hopefully Caborn will be able to report back to still-dithering Downing Street how the changing face of Athens would make a bid for the 2012 Games worthwhile. Apart from the cash crisis back home – Sport England meet on Thursday to decide where the Lottery axe will fall – Caborn must be pondering his own future in any summer reshuffle. But he seems more secure now that aspirant Andy Burnham has own-goaled by voting against Blair over the Iraq war.

There is strong suspicion that recent political wrangling between the Badminton Association of England and the international body may have contributed as much as the Sars crisis to the postponement of this month's Birmingham world championships.

It seems the International Badminton Federation moved hastily to accede to a request from China, who had feared that their top players would be barred from travelling. UK Sport, who had invested £280,000 of Lottery money, say they will get it back if the champion-ships are not played here. But the irony is that China recently signed an agreement with UK Sport enabling them to study how this country run major events.

insidelines@independent.co.uk

Exit Lines

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