by James Slater – There was a big upset tonight in London, as British heavyweight champion Danny Williams lost in a supposed tune-up bout against big underdog Albert Sosnowski. 35-year-old Williams, who is a fighter known for his notorious ability to blow hot and cold, saw his career take one mighty setback as he was TKO’d in the 8th round by the Polish big man..
Sosnowski sent Danny crashing with some thunderous headshots in the 8th, and though Williams bravely beat the count he was soon under more fire and referee Richie Davies had no other option than to dive in and stop the contest. The official time was one minute and 17 seconds of the 8th round, and Williams fell to 40-7(31). The jubilant Sosnowski, six years younger at age 29 , improved his record to 44-2(27).
With his scheduled November 30th bout against Francois Botha now in serious doubt, Danny must ponder the very notion of even fighting again. Losing for the seventh time in his up and down career, “The Brixton Bomber” looked to be in trouble as early as the 4th round, as he was hurt by a right hand. Williams was blowing by the mid rounds, was a touch marked up and in no way did he ever look comfortable in the fight. Considering how he had previously said he’s stop Sosnowski inside 5 rounds so as to leave himself fresh for the Botha bout that was scheduled to take place in the unlikely setting of Egypt, Williams’ loss has to have come as a devastating one for the likeable Brit.
The fight was a somewhat ugly one to watch at times, with both men wrestling ungainly – even to the point where the pole all but shoved Williams over the top rope. But the end, when it came, was as stunning as it was electrifying. Surely there will be no way back for Danny after this disaster. Sosnowski, who in his previous bout had been out-pointed by the average Zuri Lawrence, really had no business knocking out (or TKO’ing) the man who once destroyed what was left of Mike Tyson.
It’s possible, though, that Frans Botha will be even more disappointed right now than Williams. With the November 30th bout almost certainly up in smoke now, “The White Buffalo” will have to find some other credible foe to make his return against. Here’s an idea – how about Botha Vs. Sosnowski?
At present, however, one cannot help but feel some serious sympathy towards Danny Williams.