by James Slater: Rubin Williams, the late replacement opponent for unbeaten super-middleweight star Carl Froch, is talking a good fight ahead of this coming Saturday’s clash at The Nottingham Arena. Coming in to save the day after both Denis Inkin and, later, Alejandro Berrio opted not to fight “The Cobra,” Williams seems very confident. In an interview with Sky Sports, the 32 year old American spoke about his chances of upsetting Froch’s big plans for the future..
“I am definitely not coming here to make up the numbers,” Williams began. “I am coming here to knock out Carl Froch and take my place where I belong at the top of the rankings. I respect what Carl has achieved but he hasn’t fought anybody like me. I was delighted when I was given the opportunity because I was fit and in shape and I am ready to make the most of it.”
Saturday’s fight offers a big opportunity for Williams indeed. Promoted by Hennessy Sports, the bout is billed as an official final eliminator for the WBC super-middleweight championship. Carl Froch’s dream would be in pieces were Williams to shock him. Quite simply, everything is to fight for. And at times in boxing history, with much on the line, the late sub has very much spoilt the party for the betting favourite. Will this be the case on May 10th?
The 32 year old Williams, nicknamed “Mr. Hollywood,” has a good record at 29-4-1(16). He has fought as high as light-heavyweight in the past and has also challenged for a version of the world super-middleweight title – losing by 7th round TKO to the then red-hot Jeff Lacy in March of 2005. In his last two fights, Williams has also tasted defeat – losing on points over ten rounds to the 25-1 Allan Green this past January, and being stopped on cuts in 7 rounds by the unbeaten Andre Ward less than two months ago. In all, “Mr. Hollywood” has been stopped three times in a pro career that began in 2001.
Standing the same height as Froch at 6’1,” Williams, who says he’ll be in fighting shape having boxed quite recently, is not a man who can be totally written off. “The Cobra,” though talented, is a far from flawless operator. Guilty of holding his hands low at times, the 30 year old with the 22-0(18) record can be hit. Williams is not a huge puncher, with only 16 KO’s from his 29 wins, but he could be dangerous all the same.
With a golden opportunity right in front of him, Williams will be a guy we see giving his all come Saturday evening. It is to be hoped Froch will not enter the ring overconfident. If he goes about his business as he should, “The Cobra” should strike around the 7th or 8th round – getting his 19th stoppage victory.