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Posted: **01 Jan 2005, 16:34**

secondsout

Williams fought Klitschko with one arm

By Anthony Evans and pic by Mr Will/Hogan Photos: Knocked down and nearly out in the first round, sliced open above the eye in the second, dropped in the third, set sprawling in the seventh and rocked and badly hurt in almost every minute before finally getting clubbed to defeat in the eighth, Danny Williams's courage and will to win was universally praised in the aftermath of his WBC heavyweight title challenger to Vitali Klitschko last month.

Now comes the revelation that the Londoner fought from the second round onwards with a serious, potentially career-threatening injury to his right shoulder.

The London-born 'Legend Killer' is currently awaiting the results of a MRI scan on his right arm and there are concerns Williams will require a second operation on the ligaments originally ripped apart during the 2000 fight with Mark Potter.

Williams had kept this re-injury secret because he didn't want to appear to be making excuses for his disappointingly non-competitive challenge to Klitschko. However, Williams told SecondsOut: "I felt something was wrong in the second round of the fight and the pain got worse as the fight went on. What happened was I missed a massive right hand, over-extended, and felt something go. It was really painful to move it and with getting knocked down and hurt so bad in the first round and cut for the first time in my life in the second round not a great deal went my way in the fight.

"I'm not sure if the arm completely popped out like it did against Mark Potter, but it was extremely painful and I couldn't generate any power. That's why I kept on walking forward trying to land one big left hook - that was the only shot I could hurt him with.

"I let it (that things weren't going to plan) get to me and just wanted to load up with one left hook to take him out and even when I was stopped I was still trying to do that. I kept trying to take it to him because the fight was for the heavyweight championship of the world and that means everything to me. But it wasn't my night."

The former British & Commonwealth Champion is mortified at the thought of the boxing public interpreting this news as an excuse for losing so badly.

"I lost the fight," he said. "I don't blame anyone or anything for what happened other than I didn't do what I was supposed to. It is the hurt business, this sport, and you can't complain when you get hurt in there. It was my decision to try that big right hand and load up so much. No one made me do that."

After returning to England on December 14, Williams sought the advice of St Mary's hospital surgeon operated on his shoulder after the Potter fight. He was then sent to a team of consultants at Milton Keynes and is now awaiting the results of the MRI scan.

He said: "The results will be known on January 5 and we'll know then how serious it is. I'm a little worried that the pain hasn't gone away yet - other than my shoulder I am completely healed up and ready to start training."

Despite his impressive KO wins over Kali Meehan and, of course, Mike Tyson, Londoner Williams took such a one-sided drumming from the Kiev colossus that even his own promoter, allegedly, initially advised him to retire.

Now, though, and independent of any official talk between promoters or HBO TV people, there is quite a buzz about Williams challenging WBO title-holder Lamon Brewster, a similarly lion-hearted heavyweight, in what would be an-out war.

But first Williams awaits those crucial MRI results.

Ant Evans can be reached at [email protected]

Posted: **01 Jan 2005, 18:55**

He was using his left arm mostly but a loss is a loss. Didn't he get a MRI being in the clear when they checked him last time though?

Posted: **01 Jan 2005, 18:56**

He was using his left arm mostly but a loss is a loss. Didn't he get a MRI being in the clear when they checked him last time though?

Posted: **01 Jan 2005, 20:02**

I think we should wait untill the MRI untill passing judgements, if the MRI show serious damage. Then we must respect Williams for not saying this at the time. It would say why Williams didn't throw any combinations during the fight.

Posted: **02 Jan 2005, 06:14**

Maybe Danny should've told people he hurt his leg.

Posted: **02 Jan 2005, 06:17**

Seriously though, I dislike this about boxing. Especially, but not exlusively, to the heavyweights. Nobody loses with grace.

When Danny beat Tyson, Tyson blamed a leg injury. And of course a lot of Tyson fans believed him.

When Danny Williams loses, he blames a shoulder injury.

Why don't people go; "I got beat by the better man on the night." Anybody who thinks that'd make them a sissy could then stand up and tell them to their face.

Posted: **02 Jan 2005, 07:21**

Seems Tyson healed well without much help and jumping on someones car bonnet.

Posted: **02 Jan 2005, 08:37**

Tyson suffered from an ancient Chinese illness called The Lying Tounge, thats all.

Posted: **02 Jan 2005, 08:52**

I don't want to taint Williams' win, but you can clearly see that after Tyson indicates his pain, his footwork goes and he is not punching with the same style. Tyson was well on top at the time of the injury, so why would he start doing that.

Posted: **02 Jan 2005, 09:17**

Most of you have already referred to Tyson's lamentable excuses after losing to Williams, sounds very familiar Danny.

In fact did William's camp not slate Vitali for pulling out of his fight with Byrd because of a shoulder injury? Klitschko defended his decision on the 'living to fight another day' mindset, perhaps Danny should have done the same thing?

By the way, where did this 'legend killer' tag come from? I would presume you need to bash up more than one legend to earn such a mantle? Maybe they are counting Julius Francis?

Joe Frazier must be anticipating a Williams call-out very soon....

Posted: **02 Jan 2005, 11:53**

Goz wrote:Most of you have already referred to Tyson's lamentable excuses after losing to Williams, sounds very familiar Danny.

In fact did William's camp not slate Vitali for pulling out of his fight with Byrd because of a shoulder injury? Klitschko defended his decision on the 'living to fight another day' mindset, perhaps Danny should have done the same thing?

By the way, where did this 'legend killer' tag come from? I would presume you need to bash up more than one legend to earn such a mantle? Maybe they are counting Julius Francis?

Joe Frazier must be anticipating a Williams call-out very soon....

Good post, Goz - on all accounts.

Posted: **07 Jan 2005, 20:53**

Got to say that Danny W v Clitchko...the most embarressing show by a boxer from this country,totally outclassed by someone who has NO CLASS just strengh and size...Williams was called very brave i say his corner were VERY VERY stupid the kid cud of got seriously hurt

Posted: **08 Jan 2005, 06:33**

In fact did William's camp not slate Vitali for pulling out of his fight with Byrd because of a shoulder injury?

Yeah, they did. And we were reminded in many times how much of a warrior Williams is for having won before with a dislocated shoulder. This is what I've always disliked about Williams. He talks lots without delivering any.

If he was talking, but getting the job done it'd be annoying but you'd have to give the devil his due. However, Williams talks big and either loses or struggles to victory. The Tyson fight aside.

Posted: **08 Jan 2005, 07:24**

Howcome the the heavyweights aren't as good as they should be? There supposed to have these good trainers like Mc Donell or Manny Stewart and yet they give a bad performance in the ring. There their trainers yes but the guys there training should be giving a good performance with all the training they have been doing for it.

Posted: **08 Jan 2005, 07:31**

stujones wrote:I don't want to taint Williams' win, but you can clearly see that after Tyson indicates his pain, his footwork goes and he is not punching with the same style. Tyson was well on top at the time of the injury, so why would he start doing that.

But if Williams was Welsh would you be seeing the same things?

Posted: **08 Jan 2005, 08:16**

Loftgroov wrote:
stujones wrote:I don't want to taint Williams' win, but you can clearly see that after Tyson indicates his pain, his footwork goes and he is not punching with the same style. Tyson was well on top at the time of the injury, so why would he start doing that.
But if Williams was Welsh would you be seeing the same things?

I think he would. Never noticed bias from him before. He saw the end of Mitchell - Calzaghe the same as I did, a view which taints that win a little for the Welsh 'champ'.

Posted: **08 Jan 2005, 08:47**

Jacko11 wrote:Got to say that Danny W v Clitchko...the most embarressing show by a boxer from this country,totally outclassed by someone who has NO CLASS just strengh and size...Williams was called very brave i say his corner were VERY VERY stupid the kid cud of got seriously hurt

Vitali may not look cute, but he is very EFFECTIVE. people said exactly the same thing about Rocky marciano and George foreman, that they had no class, just brute strength, yet they dominated supposedly better fighters.

People look at vitali, and say 'this guys rubbish, no talent, he'll get beaten by the first decent fighter he faces.'

Danny has nothing to be embarrassed about, he gave it his best shot, and that's all you can ask of a fighter, whether it was a one sided showing or not, he didn't quit and I personally admire him for that.

Call him stupid if you like for hanging in there, but he wanted to win the world title, and realised it might be his only ever shot, it's his health on the line, and his choice to continue. his corner could have pulled him out, but right until almost the last moment, he was still trying to pull out a big shot.

I may be being seduced by victories over sanders and Williams, but I think Vitali is going to remain champion for some time. Rahman will get busted up against Vitali, and he will have trouble getting near his chin. Lewis got Lazy against Rahman, Vitali won't, and his high workrate will cut him to pieces.

Byrd will have to fight the fight of his life to beat Vitali, if McCline, Oquendo and Golota have all hit and hurt him recently, and vitali punches far more consistently than any of them.

I don't see anyone out there who is going to beat Vitali for at least a year,

Posted: **08 Jan 2005, 09:15**

You could be right about the Rahman vs Vitali fight James, I hope for boxing sake that you are not. I have nothing against Vitali but if Rahman is not even competitive then I cannot think who else could be and that will be bad.

Rahman does land a few nice jabs in the SECOND match with Lewis, I hope he is quick enough to do the same in this one. Lewis was sharp in the rematch but still took some nice jabs.

Posted: **08 Jan 2005, 09:25**

Vitali and Lewis are very different style wise. Vitali stands square on (a bit like Rahman does sometimes), and leans back with his weight on the back foot. This style, whilst unorthodox (it's actually pretty similar to the style used by the old timers), is effective, because at Vitali's height it makes it very very hard for people to land the jab. Even lewis at 6'5" was struggling to make contact, and Lewis has a longer arm than Rahman, much of Rahman's reach is made up of those huge shoulders of his.

I may be completely wrong of course, but Rahman has enough flaws of his own to suggest he will be taken apart. lest we forget, Rahman drew with Tua and lost to an ancient Holyfield, and has failed to get by Ruiz.

People are talking about Rahman as if he's the saviour of the division, more out of desperation than anything else, because they don't want to believe that someone who looks as clumsy as vitali is the best heavyweight in the world.

I think Vitali's pretty exciting to watch, he certainly isn't shy of letting his hands go.

Posted: **08 Jan 2005, 09:36**

jamesmcdonnell wrote:Vitali and Lewis are very different style wise. Vitali stands square on (a bit like Rahman does sometimes), and leans back with his weight on the back foot. This style, whilst unorthodox (it's actually pretty similar to the style used by the old timers), is effective, because at Vitali's height it makes it very very hard for people to land the jab. Even lewis at 6'5" was struggling to make contact, and Lewis has a longer arm than Rahman, much of Rahman's reach is made up of those huge shoulders of his.

I may be completely wrong of course, but Rahman has enough flaws of his own to suggest he will be taken apart. lest we forget, Rahman drew with Tua and lost to an ancient Holyfield, and has failed to get by Ruiz.

People are talking about Rahman as if he's the saviour of the division, more out of desperation than anything else, because they don't want to believe that someone who looks as clumsy as vitali is the best heavyweight in the world.

I think Vitali's pretty exciting to watch, he certainly isn't shy of letting his hands go.

Agree, I only hope it was Rahman's attitude that primarily cost him vs Ruiz, Holyfield and Tua. I personally believe it was vs Tua and Ruiz (look at his shape), but against Holyfield (where he was trim) I think he faced Evander on his last stand. Great but shot fighters nearly always have that one last good one left (Whittikar vs DLH, Chavez vs Gonzales, Ali vs Spinks II). I think Holyfield had two - the Lewis rematch and the Rahman win.

Unless Roy Jones comes back at heavyweight and shows his bad nights vs Tarver and Johnson was 100% ALL to do with the weight making then there is no fighter I would give a chance against. I am obviously clutching at Straws but Vitali is a young 32 also and I cannot see anybody coming through who can challenge.

There are only 4 fighters I would give the remotest of chances vs Vitali.

Tyson - Lands a honey shot in the first
Toney - Shows us he can fight at Heavyweight.
Jones - Has his one last great fight or shows the Johnson/Tarver performances was due to weight.
Rahman.

Of these the guy with the most realistic chance is Rahman. Don't get me wrong would favour Klitchsko heavily against the lot.

Posted: **08 Jan 2005, 18:07**

Too bad Tyson ain't like his prime no more that style with all the ducking and head bopping would be great for beating Vitali.

Posted: **08 Jan 2005, 20:37**

Roy Jones would get absolutely flattened by Vitali you cant seriously think he can beat him surely?

Toney has yet to beat a decent heavyweight, he beat a shell of Holyfield and a blown up cruiser I really doubt he would beat Vitali he wouldnt be able to get in range.

Tyson has a punchers chance for a round or two but I really doubt he can reach Vitali's chin. I'm pretty sure Vitali would batter him to submission in 6-7 rounds.

Posted: **08 Jan 2005, 20:47**

007 wrote:Roy Jones would get absolutely flattened by Vitali you cant seriously think he can beat him surely?

Not on the last two performances but it would have been interesting to see what the public opinion would have been had Roy not had those last three fights - this "chinny" perception that some people have of him wouldn't have materialised (given that he took flush shots from Ruiz without flinching). I think alot of people would have said "he is the only fighter who can beat Vitali".

As I said clutching at straws with thinking of those four and there are too many ifs, buts and maybe's with the lot. However, I do not give anyone else the remotest of chances barring cuts.

I don't want to see it happen as watching Jones vs Johnson was upsetting to see such a great fighter look so old - it cannot be all entirely to do with the weight and he'd have to be the fighter he was vs Ruiz to make it appealing - and he probably isn't.

Even a peak Jones, Toney and Rahman I would favour Klitchsko strongly. Peak Tyson - well thats a different ball game, but that is also 16 years ago.

Posted: **08 Jan 2005, 21:04**

The one thing Vitali has in his favour, is that although he is a big ox, he is lean and athletic, and because of that, despite looking gassed at times, he throws a lot of shots, especially for a modern heavyweight. Look at his fight with Williams, his hands were constantly going, although he doesn't have a true killer punch, he just keeps on landing and over time with that much weight behind it, even with poor punching technique, that is very effective, can anyone think of another heavyweight out there how throws and lands as many shots, which aren't just flicks or jabs?

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Danny Williams excuse?

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