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 come from 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 a swift end.
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," said Harrison. "It was my first contest and it felt good, I just wish there had been more of it.