Former Olympic gold-medal winning boxer retires, cites brain injuries
LONDON -- Former Olympic boxing champion Audley Harrison has retired, saying repeated blows to the head have left him with brain injuries.
The 43-year-old British fighter, who won the super-heavyweight gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, says medical tests showed he was suffering the effects of traumatic brain injury.
Harrison says he has problems with vision, balance and mood swings.
The former European heavyweight champion says: "After years of denial, I'm finally getting out of my own way."
Harrison has been out of the ring since being stopped in 70 seconds by Deontay Wilder two years ago.
Now living in California, Harrison says he also plans to file for bankruptcy after a series of bad investments.
Harrison never lived up to expectations after winning the Olympic title. He finished with a pro record of 31 wins and seven defeats.
