Britain's world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis wants to get Audley Harrison on his side rather than talk about a possible future bout with the new Olympic hero.

Harrison is set to turn professional after clinching the super-heavyweight crown at the Sydney Games but Lewis will probably be long retired before the 28-year-old is ready to challenge for a title in the paid ranks.

Lewis is hoping to snap up the Londoner for a planned stable of future stars at his East End gym.

"I would love to make Audley my first signing," Lewis told The Mirror. "I have been very impressed by his performances in Sydney and was keen to send him a message of support.

"What has impressed both myself and my trainer Emanuel Steward is that Audley has fought well in a variety of styles.

"He has been confident and classy and it is great for him, for boxing and for Britain that he has won gold - and in the same division as me."

Lewis, who defends his WBC and IBF belts against David Tua in Las Vegas next month, won gold at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul when competing for Canada, after moving there from London at the age of 12.