Audley Harrison: Ex-Olympic boxer to attend Isle of Man awards

Harrison was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2001 for services to sport.

Olympic boxing gold medallist Audley Harrison will be the guest of honour at this year's Isle of Man sports awards.

Harrison, 44, claimed Commonwealth Games super-heavyweight gold in Kuala Lumpur in 1998 and added the Olympic title in Sydney two year later.

A spokesman for Isle of Man Sport said his "fantastic story highlights the focus and determination needed to become an elite athlete".

The awards ceremony will be held at the Villa Marina in Douglas 23 March.

Harrison retired from boxing for a second time last year because of the effects of head injuries suffered in the ring.

Harrison won Olympic gold in Sydney in 2000

Since his retirement, the Londoner has worked as an ambassador for various causes, inspiring the younger generation to take up sport.

Despite his success in amateur boxing, he was unable to repeat it in the professional ranks, losing seven of his 38 bouts, including a world title challenge against David Haye in 2010 which ended in a third-round stoppage.

Nominations for the Isle of Man Sports Awards close on 31 January.

Harrison said: "I've heard so much about the Island and I am really looking forward to my trip.

"I hope I get an opportunity to meet as many people as I can while presenting the awards."

Zoe Gillings-Brier and Peter Kennaugh were named Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year in 2015