by James Slater: Former IBF cruiserweight champion “King” Arthur Williams fights again next Wednesday (May 21st). After turning pro way back in November of 1989, and at his current age of 43, you would have thought Williams would be long retired by this stage in his life. But no, the 59-fight veteran who has consistently fought throughout his entire career at the 190-200 pound mark continues to box..
Next up for the man who has been in with the likes of Dwight Muhammad Qawi (W10), Jeff Lampkin (W10), Orlin Norris (L12 and KO by 3), Chris Byrd (L10), Imamu Mayfield (W TKO 9), Vassily Jirov (L KO by 7), O’Neil Bell (KO by 11 and KO by 9) and David Haye (KO by 3) is the 5-3-1(5) Clarence Moore. Recent upset winner over Jon Schneider, Moore is ten years Williams’ junior and will be looking to get a big name on his record at the 43-year-old’s expense.
Williams is taking a risk each and every time out by continuing to pursue glory in the boxing ring. Nowhere near the talented fighter he was back when he was a world champion in 1998 and ’99, “King” Arthur has not beaten a top name in many years – or since his title winning effort against Mayfield in 1998, to be exact. Williams can still fight, it’s just that he is slower, easier to hit and has less punch resistance now that he is the age he is and after the number of battles he’s engaged in. Despite this, however Williams believes he can once again achieve good things in the ring. The fight with Moore is the next step in his unlikely attempt at more grandeur.
Not too active over the last two-and-a-half years, with only three fights since January of 2006, Williams lost his last bout. Going in with the unbeaten 23-year-old German, Alexander Frenkel back in February this year, the veteran former champ was stopped in 5 rounds. Giving away a good twenty years, this fight showed how dangerous it can be for the 43-year-old to go in with young up-and-coming fighters. And while Moore is no spring chicken at age 33, he is still a good deal younger, and fresher, than the former king.
With a battle hardened record of 43-15-1(30), in which he has been stopped 8 times, Arthur Williams has been through more than enough to have earned the right to put his feet up and reflect on a good, honest boxing career. Instead, he pushes himself on and continues to fight. He has the right to do so, of course. But as with his fellow oldies who still have the urge to throw leather, we wish he would just quit and enjoy his retirement.
He will never be a candidate for The Hall of Fame, but “King” Arthur has paid his dues during his time in boxing and as such is a well respected former champion. It would be a shame to see him lost to a nine-fight novice like Clarence Moore next week.
Sadly, this is what may well happen in what will be the 43-year-old’s 60th pro fight.