Williams and Skelton to go again: A mistake on the part of big Danny?

26.03.06 – By Harry J Hawkins: British Heavyweights Danny Williams and Matt Skelton have signed for a rematch following up from their fascinating bout (25/02) when Williams marginally edged a split decision. Whilst Williams is a crafty boxer who has had a long career mixing with top fighters on the world stage, the 32 year old’s main stumbling block seems to have been a distinct lack in motivation when heading into bouts he should win..

After his courageous performance against Vitali Klitschko last year, many tipped the Brixton Bomber to hang-up the gloves and head into an early retirement, but Williams ignored the doubters and pressed on. His response was to be part of what has to have been one of the worst fights in recent history, when he beat Sydney gold medalist and ego-driven Audley Harrison in a match-up where neither man looked like they wanted to throw a punch; let alone string together a combination.

Yet Williams persevered and took on British champ Skelton. The former kick-boxer was a dangerous fighter who employed some Marciano like butts and blows to the back of Williams’ head. But unlike the Harrison fight, the two men knew that they were in a real scrap and each man refused to take a backward step.

Williams looked up for the fight; he stayed close throughout and came on well late to deservedly just scrape a win on the judges’ scorecards. Frank Warren had hinted throughout the build-up of the fight that the winner would get a shot at ‘The Beast from the East’ Nicolay Valuev, but seemingly that bout now seems that if it is ever to happen, it will occur sometime during the fall.

The fact that Williams has signed for a rematch with Skelton poses an interesting conundrum; Danny has proved that he is capable of working at the top level, but he did only just manage to get past Skelton and the rematch is a fight that he could very realistically lose. If Williams takes Skelton lightly second time around he can forget all about another title shot; Frank Warren will not waste any time with Danny as he has bigger names to look after with Super-Middleweight Champion Joe Calzaghe and the promising Amir Khan in his stable.

If the fight can be anywhere near as good as their February bout it will prove to be great night, but Danny will have to be in top shape and stay off of the cakes and pies that he openly admits have contributed to let-ups in some of his performances.

Whoever profits as the winner and gets a title shot, it is another big step in the recent renaissance in British boxing, as Calzaghe, Hatton, Khan and others strive for dominance on the opposing side of the Atlantic.