Harrison is star in the ring and on TV screen

Audley Harrison today made a spectacular debut on United States television when he won his 12th successive professional fight with a thirdround knockout of Quinn Navarre in Florida.

The encounter was the first of three that will feature Harrison on the ESPN network and, while the Olympic gold medallist was always expected to maintain his unbeaten record against an American journeyman, the manner of his victory will have impressed viewers and the ringside crowd.

Navarre, four years older than 31-year-old Harrison and outweighed by four pounds by the 18st Londoner, was in trouble from the first round as his rival quickly found the range with his jab.

The end came 32 seconds into the third round when Harrison sent Navarre to the canvas and out for the count with a stunning right-left combination.

Harrison, who has dispatched eight of his 12 victims inside the distance, said: "I was a bit nervous at the start. But once I was able to get rid of the jitters I got into a rhythm".