“They will remember you for the fights you were involved in” - Liam Harrison on why he always wanted to put on the best fights
World titles will always be one of the best motivators for any fighter, but Liam Harrison believes there's more to fighting than collecting straps of gold and leather. Harrison believes putting on barnburners, regardless of whether there's a world title on the line or not, is another way of establishing an indelible legacy.
Taking to Instagram, one of the United Kingdom's most decorated martial artists said one of his primary reasons to fight was to put on a show that fans will talk about for years.
Liam Harrison wrote:
"I've said before titles mean nothing. With so many ridiculous titles being handed out in UK Muay Thai I thought I’d just leave this here…not one of these fights was for a world title but all of them could have been. Nobody will remember you for what pieces of plastic or metal you have on your mantle piece."
He added:
"They will remember you for the fights you were involved in and the names you fought. Fight hard like a warrior, get back up when nobody thinks you can, and if the fight doesn’t look like it’s going your way go out on your shield and win, lose, or draw you will win something much greater than any world title.. you will win the hearts of the people and fans 💙"
Harrison, who collected eight world titles in Muay Thai and kickboxing, is known as one of the hardest-hitting and most resilient fighters to ever compete in the sport.
'Hitman,' who boasts 90 career wins, ultimately went out on his shield in his final ever fight when he lost to Thai legend Seksan via technical knockout at ONE 168: Denver earlier this month at the Ball Arena.
Liam Harrison admits he no longer has the same fortitude that he once had
While his mind tells him he can still fight at the highest level, Liam Harrison knows his body has reached its physical limits.
Harrison announced his competitive retirement after he lost to Seksan at ONE 168 on Sept. 6, and it was a decision he had to make if he wanted to preserve his health.
During the card's post-event press conference, Harrison said:
"When you got these little gloves on and stuff like that, I can't take the damage that I could take when I was still in my 20s and in my prime. It's just a shame."