12.10.08 – by James Slater – British heavyweight Danny Williams has an extremely busy November ahead of him. First, on November 8th, in London, “The Brixton Bomber” will face John McDermott in a return match that will see him defending his British title. Then, just 22-days later, the 35-year-old will travel to Egypt to take on former world title challenger Frans Botha..
Williams admits this is some schedule, but thinks the challenge is just what his career needs. Speaking with ITV at the weekend, Danny spoke about his two November fights and his quite amazing career in general.
“I’m very excited about that fight [with Botha],” Williams said. “To fight yards away from the pyramids, it’s just going to be unbelievable. But first things first, I’ve got to take care of John McDermott, and I’ve got to do it quickly. Twenty-two days later I’ve got another fight in Egypt. I am putting pressure on myself and I think that’s good, it will bring the best out of me. My back has to be against the wall to get the best out of me.”
And McDermott, who came very close to out-pointing Williams in their first meeting back in July, will be no pushover. Williams says he is in great shape for the rematch.
“I’m in great shape, feel good in sparring, been doing my runs,” Danny continued. “I’m looking to knock out John McDermott. My career has been a real roller-coaster, up and down, you never know what Danny Williams is going to turn up. This has been the case since I was an amateur. In one fight I’d lose to a total novice, and in the next fight I’d knock out the number one in the country. That’s just Danny Williams, it’s crazy.”
Danny says he disagrees with those people who felt he lost to McDermott in July.
“I thought I won it clearly,” Williams declared. “I was pushing the fight. I was the one doing all the moving, hitting him with the harder shots. He was just trying to survive. Apart from the fifth and probably the sixth I thought I won every single round.”
The 35-year-old with the 40-6(31) record feels he will beat both McDermott and Botha and that he is still capable of becoming a world champion.
“I still believe on my day with the division weak like it is, very weak, that on my day I can become world champion. But when is my day? My career has been very frustrating, I’ve not taken full advantage of situations. But while you’re alive you’ve still got the opportunity so I’m going to try and do it now.”
One more thing Danny wants to do before he’s through is avenge his stoppage loss to Audley Harrison. This loss is one that particularly angers Williams.
“I can’t believe that I let that guy beat me,” he said. “I want revenge. Before my career is over I need to settle the score with him. What annoys me about him is what I think annoys everybody in Britain. He’s achieved absolutely nothing but he talks like he’s a superstar. I’d love to take him on. Inside three rounds, just like he did to me. I’d be in shape this time. I wouldn’t take the fight at eight days’ notice.”
Let’s see how Williams does against McDermott on November 8th and then Botha on November 30th first!