The Sun has settled a legal dispute with boxer Audley Harrison by publishing a further story about him rejecting claims he took a dive, his lawyers said today.
Harrison, a former Olympic gold medallist, was felled during the third round of a fight with world heavyweight champion David Haye in November, leading to an article in The Sun on 16 November. Harrison’s lawyers Hamlins said today in a statement that the article “may have suggested that the fight was fixed”.
The lawyer said that the issue was resolved by publication last Friday of a Sun story setting out Harrison’s position and plans for the future.
Lawyer Chris Hutchings said: “Audley contacted us after the fight with David Haye in light of the unjustifiable attacks on his reputation being published.
“He took objection to suggestions that the fight had been fixed as this is a serious allegation of dishonesty to make regarding a professional sportsman.
“We were instructed to complain to The Sun and the matter was settled sensibly with an article published making it clear that the fight hadn’t been fixed but also setting out Audley’s plans for the future”.
The Sun also agreed to pay a “substantial sum” in respect of Harrison’s legal costs, Hamlins said.
Harrison said: ‘I’m really happy with the positive outcome. I will always take criticism of any performance but I am honest and cannot allow suggestions to the contrary to go unchecked.
‘The constructive solution devised by the lawyers, by publication of a prominent and positive piece rather than a small apology which might go un-noticed, was to everyone’s benefit.”
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