AHEAD of Tony Jeffries’ homecoming bout, the Sunderland light heavyweight has been backed to avoid becoming the new Audley Harrison.

It’s almost nine years that Harrison successfully claimed the gold medal at the Sydney Olympics and caught the eye of the boxing world in the process.

But with the 37-year-old’s career in danger of collapsing after failing to win anything since, other than the unfashionable WBF heavyweight title almost five years ago, it shows that Olympics glory does not guarantee success on the professional scene.

And while Jeffries might have only managed bronze in last year’s Games in Beijing, Danny Williams is convinced that tomorrow night will be an opportunity for the Wearside public to see exactly what the local hero is made of.

“Audley is finished. He annoys me – he annoyed the whole of the British public – because he talked like Lennox Lewis but he hasn’t achieved anything,” said Williams.

“He won an Olympic gold and then what? Nothing. But he still talks, winding people up. I know I lost to him the second time but I came back and won the British title – he’s just disappeared. He still talks about winning a world title, unifying the belts with David Haye. How dare you talk like that?

“It’s a warning for guys like Tony that an Olympic medal doesn’t guarantee anything.

But Tony isn’t like Audley at all – he’s got a pro mentality and most of all he’s levelheaded.

“Audley thought he was a superstar before he was a superstar.

Tony is a very humble guy and that’s rare. It’s a good thing. He’s going about it right way. He’s not demanding to top the bills like Audley did, he’s not talking about World titles – he’s doing his education and it’s good to see.”

Despite holding tomorrow night’s Frank Maloney-promoted show at the Crowtree Leisure Centre, Sunderland, Jeffries is expected to be the star attraction once there has been three title fights in front of an expected sell-out crowd of 1,650.

The 24-year-old faces durable German Roy Meissner, who has lost nine of his 11 fights since turning pro last year, and is looking to follow up his February debut triumph over Belarussian Aliaksandr Vayavoda.

By the time Jeffries – who will weigh-in at the Sunderland Aquatic Centre at 1pm today – enters the ring, Williams will already have tried to defend his British heavyweight title against John McDermott.

It will be a rematch of last July’s contest, when Williams – famous for defeating Mike Tyson in 2004 – still won on points despite having two points deducted for low blows and one for deliberately spitting out his gumshield.

“I still believe I’m the best in Britain,” said the 35-yearold.

“The thing was that for the last fight I was not able to train properly.

“For the McDermott fight last time I only sparred 18 rounds, this time I’ve done over 100 rounds. You will see the difference on Saturday.”

■ There are still 115 seats available for tomorrow night’s show at the Crowtree Leisure Centre and they can be purchased by calling 0871 226 1508.