02.05.05 – New York, NY. – Six minutes and forty seconds. That was all the work required of DaVarryl Williamson on Saturday night. On a night in which the WBA Heavyweight Title was won by the former Middleweight Champion, it was the under-card bout between Williamson and Derrick Jefferson that stole the show at Madison Square Garden.
DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson (22-3, 18) returned to the ring on April 30th against Derrick “D-Train” Jefferson (28-4-1, 21) in a 12-round clash for both the vacant World Boxing Council Continental Americas title and the North American Boxing Organization (NABO) Heavyweight title in a supporting bout to the HBO televised World Boxing Association (WBA) clash between champion John Ruiz and challenger James Toney.
Jefferson had himself introduced as “Touch of Death”, an obvious jab at Williamson’s nickname, and had loudly proclaimed throughout the week that the fight would not go more than five rounds. If only he knew how right he would be.
A heated first round saw Williamson bait Jefferson into the corner where he ran into a right hand, left hook combo that had him on the canvas. The second round saw Williamson drop his opponent with a textbook straight right hand early in the second round, but the always game Jefferson somehow rose to his feet. As expected, Williamson pounced right back on Jefferson driving him into the ropes with an uppercut before closing the show with his vaunted right hand. Referee Eddie Cotton had no choice but to jump in between the fighters and save Jefferson from any additional damage.
“I certainly feel that I announced my presence on the heavyweight scene today.” said Williamson “I came out, did my job and hit the target until the target was no longer there. I would love a title shot next, it doesn’t matter against which belt holder, I’m ready for them all.”
With the win, Williamson added some additional hardware to his expanding trophy case, and secured the #3 position in the International Boxing Federation (I.B.F.) ratings. “I’m looking forward to coming back as soon as Don wants me, if he needs me on July 23rd, I’ll be ready. It doesn’t matter who the opponent is, I announced to the world that I am here and a force to be reckoned with.”
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