by James Slater: Don’t be too cynical, but it appears a rubber match between British heavyweights Danny Williams and Audley Harrison is a strong possibility for this year. A short article in British newspaper “The Mirror” had the story, and both men seemingly are interested in a decider between them..
Williams, now aged 34, won their first encounter – out-pointing Harrison over twelve dull rounds in December of 2005. It was a split decision. Then, in a December 2006 return fight, “A-Force” put on what is considered his career-best display thus far, and stopped Williams in just three rounds. So who will win the rubber-match?
Both men have had their share of negative publicity, and no doubt a third bout between the two will also get more than a touch of the same. On any given night, Williams can look great. So too can Audley Harrison shine when he puts everything into a contest. Both mens’ heart is what has been questioned by the experts and fans alike, however. Does either guy really want it enough?
Harrison in particular is viewed by most as a big disappointment. After capturing Olympic gold in 2000, the big 6’5″ southpaw was expected to go a long way – perhaps all the way to the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. How farfetched does such thinking look these days? As stated above, the rematch fight with Williams is the only time Harrison has delivered, at least partly, on what his talent suggested. Fast, powerful and athletic, Audley SHOULD beat Williams again. But only if he has the self belief and is willing to take a punch here and there to get the victory. That may be the key, for the 36 year old appears as though he fights scared most of the time – as though he knows his chin is not anywhere near great.
As for Danny, his ever fluctuating weight seems to be his biggest problem. When in good physical shape, as well as feeling strong mentally also, Danny is capable of beating a lot of heavyweights out there – Audley Harrison included. It wouldn’t be a shock if they fought a third fight. Nor would it be a shock if Williams won it; or if Harrison won it. Both men have the beating of each other, it’s simply a matter of who enters the fight believing.