Audley Harrison has finally conceded he will not realise his dream of winning a legitimate world title after announcing his retirement from professional boxing today.

Harrison was the first British fighter to win an Olympic gold medal in the super-heavyweight division at the 2000 Games in Sydney. The wave of euphoria quickly died down, however, and he unfairly became the laughing stock of British boxing in recent years after flattering to deceive on several occasions in the ring.

In a statement the 41-year-old said: “There are only so many times you can fall before it becomes foolhardy to continue. I’ve fallen a lot, but winning the heavyweight title was a destination I really wanted to get to . . . sadly my dream to be a legitimate world champion will be unrealised.”