Richard Williams Update.

[KOJOE90]

From Sporting Life.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS FOR WILLIAMS
It was supposed to be his year for a big comeback but instead Richard Williams spent most of 2005 questioning whether he still harboured the desire to fight again.

The 34-year-old from Stockwell last fought for an easy three-round win in November last year and the momentum which had made him one of the most exciting prospects in the country has gone.

Frustrated by his lack of opportunities, Williams - nicknamed 'The Secret' - stopped going to the gym, ended his status as a full-time boxer in June and went back to work for Southwark Council.

It seemed one of the domestic sport's most talented and personable individuals, who held Commonwealth and IBO light-middleweight titles and came off best in two high-profile bouts with Welsh puncher Paul Samuels, was lost to the game.

"I would be a liar if I said my desire to get back into the ring had never waned," admitted Williams.

"I thought about quitting more times in the last six months than ever before. I thought, to hell with boxing.

"My promoters Matchroom have been with me throughout and they did their best. But fights fell through and the whole situation with television left me really disappointed and frustrated.

"Since May I think I have only watched one fight and I even switched off my subscription to Sky Sports and everything. I thought, boxing's nonsense, I was completely disillusioned with it all."

Fortunately Williams kept in shape and reunited with his former trainer Brian Lawrence who breathed life back into the fighter's boxing ambitions by persuading him to move up to middleweight.

Finally doors are creaking open, and Williams' desire to achieve the success his talent warrants is stirring again. A prospective comeback date later this month may come too soon, but he expects to return to the ring by the new year at the latest.

"I believe I am a good fighter and I believe I have never fulfilled my potential, that is one of the most frustrating things," Williams added.

"I have always felt like I could have done more but I have still got time given the right opportunities.

"But I have kept my feet on the ground and I refuse to be one of those fighters who is forever waiting for the one big fight and the one big payday.

"If it turns out I have to wait a long time for those chances I probably will just walk away and grow old being gutted, thinking, damn, I could have done so much better."

Williams, who turned professional at the relatively late age of 26, delighted purists with his intelligent and technical approach to his craft.

In stopping rated American Shannan Taylor then the exciting Samuels in December 2002 it appeared a true leader had emerged from the growing pack of domestic light-middleweights clamouring for a world title shot.

But two subsequent losses to the useful Argentinian Sergio Gabriel Martinez - the second a painfully one-sided ninth-round stoppage defeat in April 2004, shook Williams badly and first led him to begin to question his future.

Family man Williams - who lives with his partner Melissa and two sons aged four and two - knew it was time for big decisions and the first casualty had to be his coveted status as a full-time pro.

Not that Williams bothered much at the time.

"It got to the point where I was absolutely dreading carrying on fighting at light-middleweight and since my trainer persuaded me to move up I've felt so much better.

"I am now waiting for my chance and I will see what happens but I have never set targets. When I came into boxing I never thought I would be champion, I just wanted to try it.

"When people started taking notice of me and talking to me in the streets it was all a genuine surprise. But I started to realise I was quite good at boxing. And now I know it would be a shame if it ended like this."

[dwo 27]

I always worry about a fighter when he starts to think about retirement and says he's fallen out of love with the sport, boxing's not a sport you can get away with only being half commited to.

I hope he's fighting again because he wants and not because he needs the money or feels like he has to box.

I think he should go for the British and European titles, I think he'd beat Scott Dann easily.

[DG.]

I think we all believe RW is a class act and can achieve more than he has - he has done well - IBO Champion and 2 time Commonwealth Champion - but he can do more - he is realtively fresh and has the skill-power - chin to do well domestically and on the European scene - who knows - maybe beyond.

[Deserter]

I think we all believe RW is a class act and can achieve more than he has - he has done well - IBO Champion and 2 time Commonwealth Champion - but he can do more - he is realtively fresh and has the skill-power - chin to do well domestically and on the European scene - who knows - maybe beyond.

Not that you're biased or anything DG
Jokes aside, after Dann's recent outing I think you can make a case for Williams being able to dethrone him, but I can't see him doing much beyond British level now... and old father time is against him as well.

[DG.]

I think we all believe RW is a class act and can achieve more than he has - he has done well - IBO Champion and 2 time Commonwealth Champion - but he can do more - he is realtively fresh and has the skill-power - chin to do well domestically and on the European scene - who knows - maybe beyond.

Not that you're biased or anything DG
Jokes aside, after Dann's recent outing I think you can make a case for Williams being able to dethrone him, but I can't see him doing much beyond British level now... and old father time is against him as well.

Biased? - moi?.




Dann is just a puncher,imo..

The middleweght scene is not that in Europe.

RW neve relied on great speed - so i believe that his technique - power chin etc can dovery well.

I would give him a shout will all except Winky - winky too slick for ALL!.

One thing for sure - if RW had the chances at world level that Howard Eatman had - he would give his all - win - lose or draw.

One step at a time though..

He can win the British Title...

[Neri]

I always worry about a fighter when he starts to think about retirement and says he's fallen out of love with the sport, boxing's not a sport you can get away with only being half commited to.

I agree, another case which reflects this statement is Neil Sinclair's situation. After becoming disheartened with boxing and after a break he came back stating he was now back in love with boxing, then pulled out of his comeback fight for, i think, claiming he wasn't up for it. RW has a run at the British title, maybe European IMO

[Deserter]

I would give him a shout will all except Winky

Behave young man - the likes of Taylor and Hopkins are still light years ahead of Richard... and unfortunately always will be.

[DG.]

I would give him a shout will all except Winky

Behave young man - the likes of Taylor and Hopkins are still light years ahead of Richard... and unfortunately always will be.

You misunderstood..

It was more testament to the fact I believe Winky is better then Taylor and Hopkins!. Hopking is gone in 6 months Taylor is not that great anyway.

[Deserter]

I would give him a shout will all except Winky

Behave young man - the likes of Taylor and Hopkins are still light years ahead of Richard... and unfortunately always will be.

You misunderstood..

It was more testament to the fact I believe Winky is better then Taylor and Hopkins!. Hopking is gone in 6 months Taylor is not that great anyway.

I think you may be right (I must admit that I was one of those who consistently under-rated Wright), but I'm afraid that even Taylor is leagues ahead of Richard Williams. surely you can't deny that?

[DG.]

Behave young man - the likes of Taylor and Hopkins are still light years ahead of Richard... and unfortunately always will be.

You misunderstood..

It was more testament to the fact I believe Winky is better then Taylor and Hopkins!. Hopking is gone in 6 months Taylor is not that great anyway.

I think you may be right (I must admit that I was one of those who consistently under-rated Wright), but I'm afraid that even Taylor is leagues ahead of Richard Williams. surely you can't deny that?

I have rated Winky for years..

Taylor is faster and bigger than RW - I would pick Taylor to beat RW but Taylor is no monster!

[stujones]

Richard has been far too inactive, seems to have questioned his desire and is 34. I like him, but not sure if he should comeback.

[DG.]

Richard has been far too inactive, seems to have questioned his desire and is 34. I like him, but not sure if he should comeback.

I think the desire is there - but - lack of opportunities seemed to have blunted his edge -sitting around waiting can do that to anyone.

He is an intelligent man so I doubt he would come back for a few £s - he must be ready willing and able to fight - Matchroom just did not seem to have the £sss to spend since Sky pulled the plug and their fighters have been inactive.

Williams -Khaliq - Bami - all should be fighting more often than they have been!

I think Rw is ready and if he has retained his skill level - gets his fitness back - he can still achieve.

If Matchroom get him the fights - the rest is up to him.

He looked very fluid last time out and very strong.

[stujones]

Khaliq has surely retired?!?!

[DG.]

Khaliq has surely retired?!?!

Who knows?.

I did hear he was back running his taxi firm or something along those lines.

[THEBUTCH]

Not surprised Williams is fed up. He should have been in the thick of it for the last couple of years. I simply cannot understand the general attitude that when a boxer loses that he should think about packing the game in. The second Martinez loss for example. Richard has loads left to offer on the Brtish scene. He needs to be kept active though, and Hearn has done a bad job of things in this area.

I always felt a Dann-Lockett fight would be great, but if Williams can get active again, a Williams-Lockett fight would be just fabulous for the British fans.

[KOJOE90]

Not surprised Williams is fed up. He should have been in the thick of it for the last couple of years..

There were a lot of 11st matches in the UK a few years ago that never happened. I've always liked Williams and he seem one of lifes good guys but for all his ability he just seemed to lack something at the top level.

I can't see him having the most successfull of comebacks but I wish him luck.

[THEBUTCH]

I honestly think Williams is the sort of boxer who will fight anyone on the domestic scene. As far as I can tell, he's not been managed to the best of his boss' ability.

[DG.]

I honestly think Williams is the sort of boxer who will fight anyone on the domestic scene. As far as I can tell, he's not been managed to the best of his boss' ability.

His skill deserves more, imo.

I think that prize twat Allegedly Fwank Warren could have provided more opportunities.

[THEBUTCH]

I'd have tipped Hennessy Sports to get the most out of him. Competitve matches, genuine titles.

[KO Artist]

I always worry about a fighter when he starts to think about retirement and says he's fallen out of love with the sport, boxing's not a sport you can get away with only being half commited to.

I hope he's fighting again because he wants and not because he needs the money or feels like he has to box.

I think he should go for the British and European titles, I think he'd beat Scott Dann easily.

No way does he beat Dann easily.

In fact, Dann might KO him

[steve689]

I always worry about a fighter when he starts to think about retirement and says he's fallen out of love with the sport, boxing's not a sport you can get away with only being half commited to.

I hope he's fighting again because he wants and not because he needs the money or feels like he has to box.

I think he should go for the British and European titles, I think he'd beat Scott Dann easily.

No way does he beat Dann easily.

In fact, Dann might KO him

I agree, look how much Williams struggled with the Southpaw Martinez, i know Dann is not as tricky as Martinez was but i don't think an inactive Williams will be able to contend. Maybe the Williams that disposed of Shannon Taylor and roughed it out with Paul Samuels would have done the business.

[DG.]

I always worry about a fighter when he starts to think about retirement and says he's fallen out of love with the sport, boxing's not a sport you can get away with only being half commited to.

I hope he's fighting again because he wants and not because he needs the money or feels like he has to box.

I think he should go for the British and European titles, I think he'd beat Scott Dann easily.

No way does he beat Dann easily.

In fact, Dann might KO him

I agree, look how much Williams struggled with the Southpaw Martinez, i know Dann is not as tricky as Martinez was but i don't think an inactive Williams will be able to contend. Maybe the Williams that disposed of Shannon Taylor and roughed it out with Paul Samuels would have done the business.

Martinez is miles ahead of Dann.

Dann is and always will be - Domestic level.

Just because they are both southpaws means nothing - different styles of Southpaws.

Williams won't have to chase Dann.

[J]

sorry dg but werent you adamant that Eastman was gonna whoop hopkins bro? Not having a go here we all get fights the wrong way round, but I seem to recall yuo being particularly vehement about it. I admire your loylaty to the a fightersof your are mate but feel sometimes its cloulds your judgement, but hey i do that as well.

I reckon Scott can make Euro level at least, what are you baseing your assumptions on one fight on sky?

A 34 yr old inactive Williams does not beat Dann imo.

[THEBUTCH]

Williams needs activity. Maybe he will get a good workout on the Witter-Lynnes undercard.


Listening to both sides of the arguments put forward for Dann and Williams, I'd say it's a tough fight for both of them (provided Richard gets some rounds in).

Let's hope this fight happens soon and settles it once and for all....we'd be in for a treat

[DG.]

sorry dg but werent you adamant that Eastman was gonna whoop hopkins bro? Not having a go here we all get fights the wrong way round, but I seem to recall yuo being particularly vehement about it. I admire your loylaty to the a fightersof your are mate but feel sometimes its cloulds your judgement, but hey i do that as well.

I reckon Scott can make Euro level at least, what are you baseing your assumptions on one fight on sky?

A 34 yr old inactive Williams does not beat Dann imo.

I had no idea Eastman would be Sooooo lazy!

Hopkins was there for the taking - taylor did it - and Taylor ain't that great!.

Skillwise - Dann is average.

Who has Dann beaten ? - not even a name past their best - Domestic level for Dann.

Williams needs to be active - but if he is - I pick him to beat Dann.

Loyalty clouds us all - but Williams is a better fighte then Dann.

To prove it - no one EVER said Dann could do anything outside of England.