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British fighter Audley Harrison retires at 41

Audley Harrison celebrates his gold medal victory in the +91kg division at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Audley Harrison celebrates his gold medal victory in the +91kg division at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

LONDON (AP) -- Former Olympic champion Audley Harrison has retired from professional boxing.

The retirement decision came after being stopped by undefeated American heavyweight Deontay Wilder on Saturday night.

Harrison, who dropped to 31-7, says "there are only so many times you can fall before it becomes foolhardy to continue.''

At the 2000 Sydney Games, Harrison became the first British fighter to win an Olympic gold in the super-heavyweight division. But, despite briefly holding a minor world title nine years ago, the 41-year-old Harrison struggled in the professional ranks.

Harrison wrote Wednesday on his website that "sadly my dream to be a legitimate world champion will be unrealized.''

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