23.02.04 – By Elliot Worsell: Much has been said in recent weeks, on the futures of two of the big names in British boxing at present. Former British heavyweight champion Danny Williams, and English cruiserweight titleholder David Haye, both of whom are expected to have an interesting, and possibly success littered 2004.
A man who knows them better than most is trainer/manager Adam Booth, the young up n’ coming fight figure who has orchestrated the professional career path’s of both men in the last 12 months. Handling both the inner and outer ring affairs for BBC shining light Haye, and stints doing both also for heavyweight behemoth Williams, has been mixed with corner assignments alongside fighters such as Gary ‘Old Bones’ Logan, Stephen Smith and Spencer Fearon, all of whom have hung up the gloves following accomplished ring ventures.
With the power punching exploits of Haye, and the controversy that always seems to go glove in glove with Danny Williams, Booth has been a busy man in recent months, and thankfully filled me in on the latest news on both fighters.
EW. Adam, what’s the latest on Danny Williams and David Haye?
AB. Danny Williams has got a fight with Herbie Hide for the vacant EU heavyweight title. It goes to purse bids on Monday, and that bout is to take place within 60 days of the purse bid. So we’re looking for that fight to take place by April 23.
As far as David Haye is concerned, nothing has been confirmed so far and we’re still talking with the BBC and promoters regarding the next year in his career.
EW. When do you hope to see David fight next?
AB. As soon as possible really. He’s in training right now, and will be ready to box in three weeks time, so any time from three weeks onwards, when the first available date is. We’re just negotiating at the moment, and looking to do a deal that suits David best. We should know something in the coming week.
EW. Is the Lee Swaby fight now a dead issue then?
AB. It appears that it will not happen in the near future.
EW. Was there a reason for it not happening on February 20?
AB. Although February 20 was signed as the date of the fight, that contract was signed with Lion Promotions, and they were supposed to be promoting the bout, not Fight Academy as was advertised. We signed the bout agreement with Lion Promotions, but they didn’t have a slot for the fight on February 20, so that’s why it didn’t happen on that date. Since then, I’ve had no other potential offers or dates put forward to me, so the fight’s not been able to get off the ground.
EW. Is David still with Lion Promotions?
AB. No. We’re in no mans land a bit at the moment and are still negotiating.
EW. How did the appeal go for the Williams-Sprott British title fight?
AB. The British Boxing Board of Control found no grounds to sustain Danny’s appeal, but said that the next time a mandatory challenger is nominated for a title shot, Danny’s success and history of defending the British title will be taken into consideration.
EW. Are you and Danny still hopeful of a fourth fight with Sprott?
AB. Well I’m personally hoping that if and when Danny fights Michael Sprott again, it will be for a bigger title anyway. If Danny beats Herbie Hide for the EU title he becomes the challenger for the full EBU heavyweight title and Luan Krasniqi has just won that from Sinan Samil Sam. I’ve seen Krasniqi box live on two occasions and think he’s a very beatable heavyweight. So if Danny were able to beat Herbie Hide and Luan Krasniqi then he could possibly defend against Michael and settle things there.
EW. Do you believe that the long awaited fight between Danny and Herbie will finally happen?
AB. Yes I do. Simon Block of the BBB of C asked me whether Danny wanted this fight, and whether he wanted to fight Herbie early this year, we said yes. I’d hope that Simon Block also asked the same question to Herbie and Mick Hennessy, and that their answer was the same. The fight goes to purse bids on Monday, and depending on how they go, Danny is ready and raring to fight Herbie wherever and whenever it gets scheduled. Lets face it, it’s a very big domestic fight, and a lot of people would be interested in it. Although it would have been great if they had both fought while Danny was British champion, I think that at the end of the day it’s the fighters that matter more than the titles. Danny and Herbie in the ring together will generate interest irrespective of what title goes alongside it.
I’d like to thank Adam Booth for agreeing to this interview and wish him continued success in the future.