British heavyweight champion Danny Williams 41-8 (31) has withdrawn from what he
promised would be his last fight. Williams who was originally scheduled to meet Sam
Sexton 13-1 (6) until Sexton withdrew himself with a hand injury, was scheduled to
defend against Derek “Del Boy” Chisora 11-0 (6) on February 13th’s night of champions.
Williams who has always been a valiant fighter with a slightly fragile physche did not turn up for last weeks press conference to announce the bout with Chisora saying he needed some time to get his head around the change of opponent. He has now withdrawn entirely saying that he has a viral infection.
Although disappointing to fans, this writer does not blame Williams. If his next bout is to be his last, who can blame him for not wanting to come in no less than 100 per cent ready. Promoter of the show Frank Warren though was quite frank ( pardon the pun ) in his opinions:
“I’m just sorry for Derek who has trained his heart out for his British title opportunity and has had it scuppered – and remember that Williams didn’t want to fight him when I tried to make the fight last year. I am working hard for Derek who will still feature on the Night of the Champion show and the two boxers I am negotiating with have beaten Danny already I said last week that Danny should vacate the title or retire if he didn’t want to fight him.”
I have no doubt whatsoever that Williams who has shared the ring with people like Mike Tyson and Vitali Klitschko has no fear in the slightest of Derek Chisora. I feel for Frank Warren, watching a potentially superb bill of boxing slowly fall apart but this is the boxing game. Unfortunately I possibly see Chisora being lined up against Carl Baker who shocked Williams in the Prizefighter tournament.
Warren as per normal though, saw the brighter side and promised the show will go ahead. He said, “The Night of the Champions features the best in young talent that I promote like Derek, Nathan Cleverly, Kevin Mitchell, James DeGale, Frankie Gavin, Billy Joe Saunders, Jamie Cox, and the Walsh brothers and it will be a fantastic night showcasing the future of British boxing.”
By JIMMY LAST (EDITOR)
