Audley Harrison refuses to admit his world heavyweight title dream has been shattered beyond repair by the crushing knockout at the hands of Michael Sprott.
Promoter Frank Warren has warned the 35-year-old former Olympic gold medallist he faces 'a long, hard road back' and that his earning power has been severely hit by his latest - and most comprehensive - defeat.
But Harrison, nicknamed 'A-Force', insists he is not yet a spent force. He said: 'I'll be back.'
But both Sprott, now one fight away from the world title shot Harrison craved, and Warren have their doubts.
Sprott said: 'I've lost 10 fights and come back. Maybe [he can] - if he has the determination.'
Warren speculated: 'That's up to him. It will be interesting to see how much he does want it because it's about fighting for his future. He'll be getting no big money at this stage.'
Harrison even spoke of a rematch after being knocked senseless at Wembley Arena despite flooring the former British and Commonwealth champion in the first round.
He claimed he thought he could have continued but Barry McGuigan, the former world featherweight champion, described that view as 'deluded - he was spark out'.
McGuigan also pointed out Harrison was 'already damaged goods' before reviving his career with December's three-round destruction of Danny Williams, who out-pointed him in their first clash before American Dominick Guinn inflicted his second defeat.
Sprott, the 32-year-old underdog from Reading who wagered £5,000 on himself at 7-2, now tackles Commonwealth champion Matt Skelton at a yet-to-be-decided London venue on 26 May, with Warren promising the winner a crack at one of the four versions of the world title.
If Harrison had avoided the devastating left-hand punch from Sprott the way he ducked the post-fight press conference, it might just have been him.
He instead talked to ITV, staking his claim for a rematch, claiming: 'Me knocking him down kind of messed me up a bit.
'It made me go away from the game plan and I didn't respect his power.
'I thought I was okay but the referee said I wasn't. Hopefully, I will have a chance to rectify it straight away.'
Sprott, who was knocked out by Skelton in the 12th round of his first British and Commonwealth defence two years ago, dashed those hopes.
He said: 'I'm moving on. I want to fight Matt Skelton, gain my revenge and get the world title.'
But Warren pointed out exactly how little Harrison has actually achieved in the pro ranks since Sydney 2000.
He said: 'It's just not happened for him. Guys like Matt Skelton have gone past him.
'Matt didn't have any amateur experience or an Olympic gold medal but won the British title in his 12th fight - Audley hasn't even fought for the British title.'
