RANCHO MIRAGE (California), April 15: Britain's former Olympic champion Audley Harrison lost for the second straight time here on Friday and saw his hopes of ever lifting the world heavyweight crown all but vanish.

The bout against American Dominick Guinn had been billed as a make-or-break fight for both men and it was the 2000 Sydney super-heavyweight gold medallist who failed to make the grade once again.

The 30-year-old Guinn took an unanimous points decision over 10 rounds after comprehensively outboxing and outthinking the ponderous British challenger, four years his senior.

Harrison had been built up as a potential heavyweight champion following his triumph in Sydney six years ago but for most of his professional career he was matched up against journeymen boxers to pad his record.

He was finally caught out in his last bout when he lost to fellow Britain Danny Williams in December, a defeat which brought a barrage of criticism for him.

The Guinn fight was probably his last chance to revive his career and the defeat will leave Harrison pondering whether or not he should continue in the ring. His record now stands at 19 wins and two defeats.

Guinn, a once-promising heavyweight who had hit a slump, can now look forward to a possible run at one of the world title having improved his record to 26 wins, three defeats and one draw. —AFP