BoxRec

Posted: **20 Jul 2005, 19:39**

Supposedly Warrenless, is there a way back for the er, 'legend killer'?

Can't imagine a Skelton fight would ever happen now, as psychologically, a brittle chap like Danny has backed himself into a corner.

Could he find another route to a Brewster or Ruiz fight?

Posted: **20 Jul 2005, 21:00**

I had a lot of respect for the big guy, he showed he had heart against Klitshco even if he was totally outclassed, but this latest episode demonstrates that he does suffer from self doubts.
He must know it will be very hard to promote him after refusing to fight even though he turned up for the weigh-in.
DW is a nice guy, a god fearing muslim who wanted to please his old man even though he never wanted to take up the sport in the first place.
He has done as much as could be expected, beating Tyson and then challenging for the world title against a class-act such as Vitali.

Personally i think he should retire, I hope he does something positive like "mentoring" for young black kids in Brixton he could be a good role model. As far as I know he has never been in trouble with the law and he is a devoted father and husband, as well as a practising muslim.

Posted: **20 Jul 2005, 21:17**

Danny has to be one of the most frustrating British fighters of the last ten years or so, but for all the talk about his prowess in the gym I think that we have overrated him for a long time. He has a very nice jab, throws some great combinations, knows how to fight on the inside, and even at world level carries good (if not thunderous) power.

His defence, however, has always been sub-par compared to his offensive skills, and for all his heart he doesn't have the chin to make up for that. Against Samil Sam he displayed all of his offensive prowess in the first couple of rounds but just could not get out of the way of those right hand counters; Mark Potter similarly gave him absolute fits by merely keeping the pressure on. Perhaps a large part of that is his ever-ballooning weight, which seems to have eroded whatever speed of foot he may have had.

Certainly it's easier to look ten million dollars in the gym when you're not having your defence constantly tested by a world-class athlete desperately trying to knock you out in front of an audience. I still think Williams has world-class abilities in terms of his fundamentals and even some of his combinations - but with a poor defence and average chin, not to mention a temperament that often stifles his best qualities - that is only ever going to get you so far, and so it has proved.

If this is the end, I wish him the very best in his retirement.

Posted: **20 Jul 2005, 21:46**

A Statement to the Press from Danny Williams from website http://www.dannywilliams.tv

First and foremost I would like to apologise to everyone involved that has been let down by me pulling out of the fight. I would like to state that I have not spoken to allegedly and the first I have heard about the comments made by allegedly about me, is through members of the press.

I have worked with Frank for majority of my boxing career and have the up most respect for him and therefore have no intention of turning this into a slagging match. However, what I will say is that I am surprised by Franks reaction as he has said to me in the past that if I didn't feel 100% fit to fighting that I should pull out, even if its at a minutes notice.

The reason behind my withdrawal from the fight is that I have the flu. I initially thought I had hay fever but it became apparent at the end of the week that it was much more than that, I took a load of cold remedies and felt a bit better, and hoped that I would feel 100% by the day of the fight, but my family felt I shouldn't go ahead and because I refused to withdraw from the fight, my wife called Frank and told him I had the flu.

I trained extremely hard for this fight, I was sparring with David Haye, and even brought Sherman Williams over from the US for sparring. I am extremely disappointed that I had to pull out of the fight considering I was the one that asked Frank for the fight with Skelton in the first place, but if I had gone ahead with the fight and anything had gone wrong everyone would have said if you weren't 100% fit you shouldn't have taken the fight!

I understand Frank has been calling me a bottle job. But those who follow my career will know that I won the British Title while fighting with a dislocated shoulder, came back against Mike Tyson and also challanged the world's best heavyweight Vitali Klitscko. So do you think I'm really scared of Matt Skelton.

Lastly, I would still love to fight Skelton but that's really up to Frank!

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 03:17**

I'm not sure where Danny stands on his promotional contract, allegedly has said that he wouldn't promote Williams again, so does that mean he's a free agent?

If he is i could see him getting an offer from Europe maybe as an opponent for Nicolay Valuev , Luan Krasniqi , Sultan Ibragimov .
at least Danny would get a half decent payday from something like that.

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 03:51**

If Williams actually wants to fight Skelton then Warren will make the match. It would be a huge seller after all the publicity the "non fight" generated.

J

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

john2345 wrote:If Williams actually wants to fight Skelton then Warren will make the match. It would be a huge seller after all the publicity the "non fight" generated.

J

I can't see this fight happening in the near future, Williams would need to prove himself first, a bit like Johnny Nelson had to, Nelson had to fight abroad and win a few before any of the British promoters would touch him again.

By the time Williams has had a chance to do this i feel that Skelton may get found out anyway against a higher class boxer.

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 06:55**

topper123 wrote:I'm not sure where Danny stands on his promotional contract, allegedly allegedly has said that he wouldn't promote Williams again, so does that mean he's a free agent?

If he is i could see him getting an offer from Europe maybe as an opponent for Nicolay Valuev , Luan Krasniqi , Sultan Ibragimov .
at least Danny would get a half decent payday from something like that.

Get better opposition as well as paydays.

Mc Donnell still defends him.

http://www.dannywilliams.tv/dannywillia ... 0&cs=16936

Jimmy Mac defends Williams pull-out

By Ant Evans: Danny Williams trainer Jim McDonnell has defended his heavyweight's last minute pullout against Matt Skelton. William was due to face unbeaten Skelton for the British Heavyweight Title in Bolton on Saturday night but pulled out at 9pm Friday claiming flu.

Promoter allegedly and television partner ITV were furious at the late notice, especially as Williams had weighed in and passed a medical just five hours before declaring himself unfit to boxing.

Trainer McDonnell said: "Danny should have pulled out sooner, he made a mistake there, I agree, but some of the criticism he's had since Saturday has been totally over the top. You can call what he did unprofessional but to call him a bottle job is really pathetic and unfair after the things he's done in his career."

The trainer went on to list his fighter's now familiar accomplishments, such as knocking out Mark Potter in 2000 to win the British Title while fighting with a grotesquely dislocated right shoulder, coming back from torrid two rounds to knock out Mike Tyson last summer and fighting on while injured despite four knockdowns v Vitali Klitschko in a losing world title shot last December.

McDonnell added: "No disrespect to Matt Skelton but he's not in the league of Tyson nor Klitschko, he's a novice, and if the fight happens he'll be knocked out in five rounds. Skelton should thank the heavens Danny pulled out because he was outboxed by (replacement) Mark Krence until (Krence) rank out of gas.

Promoter Warren, who had to scramble to find a replacement for the top of the bill, is fuming that his first major show with ITV was hampered and has said he will never promote Williams again, advising the Londoner to retire if his commitment to boxing is waning.

But Williams's trainer insists Williams, 32, is as ambitious as ever. He said: "Skelton pulled out of a fight with flu himself only last year, when he was supposed to fight Al Cole last summer. The only difference was that Skelton pulled out earlier in the week (Monday) instead of the day before the fight (which was supposed to take place Friday night). I admit that what Danny did - weigh in and then pull out - wasn't right but everyone makes mistakes.

"What happened was Danny had hay-fever two weeks ago and that developed into flu. Not a heavy cold, but flu. He took time off training earlier in the week of the fight but took a load of medicine and rested for a few days. He was still not over it on Friday but his family and friends wanted him to pull out, worrying about him. Out of love and concern for him not going in at 100% they sapped his mental energy until the point where he felt he was too ill to go ahead.

"I've spoken to Danny and he says that while he is very disappointed, he isn't sorry he pulled out because he was still very poorly on Sunday and Monday. Like I said, fighters pull out of fights all the time and while it is disappointing it happens in all sports."

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 07:01**

topper123 wrote:
john2345 wrote:If Williams actually wants to fight Skelton then Warren will make the match. It would be a huge seller after all the publicity the "non fight" generated.

J
I can't see this fight happening in the near future, Williams would need to prove himself first, a bit like Johnny Nelson had to, Nelson had to fight abroad and win a few before any of the British promoters would touch him again.

By the time Williams has had a chance to do this i feel that Skelton may get found out anyway against a higher class boxer.

Not just Nelson as well, but Calzaghe, Eastman...

If he's still got it then a rematch with Sam might be interesting.

But irrespective of whether or not he was ill, 20 stone is not right.

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 07:33**

If Williams had flu the doctor would have noticed when he did the medical last friday. There's no way you can have flu and someone doing a medical wouldnt notice thats just ridiculous to continue to make that claim.

Its obvious Williams was in dire shape, there's no way on earth he can be well trained at 20 stone 3lbs. I've heard of bulking up but thats a whole 13lbs heavier than he was for the Klitschko fight when he looked well overweight - I really dont see what benefit he would get at that weight.

McDonnell just seems to make excuses for him all the time. Its excuse after excuse with Williams its getting old.

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 07:47**

What about Williams V Audley Harrison.

Surely if FW wants nothing to do with either of them then this could be done.

I for one would still pay to watch this one

And at least it would give the Harrison doubters something to think about (me included)

Its nice to see some good posts on here about Danny, not the slagging off for a change.!

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 07:53**

I don't think People should be too hard on Danny, he deserves the benifit of the doubt... as for FW the things he said are disgraceful after all the money Williams must have earned him and shows that boxers are just pound notes to that man and when things go wrong he has no loyalty at all to the men themselves.
Look how he was all for an obviously ill Frank Bruno to come back and fight Audely Harrison!!!!....... :x

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 08:06**

Audley Harrison disgraced himself as much as Herbie Hide did that night he paraded himself around the ring with Bruno.

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 08:10**

ive been a big danny fan over the years bvut his behaviour last week was not acceptable.

see below post from other thread on this:

observations:

1. if you have real flu, you knho about it, flu is fornicator you cant get out bed, your glands swell up and you shiver and shake like a mofo. You cant trian and you certinaly wouldnt be able to spar. ITS VERY UNUSUAL TO GET FLU IN JULY.

what danny may have is a bit of a mild cold.

2. The doctors would be able to spot you have a flu virus due to the inflammed glands and your general health.

3. surely its good practice to keep you trainer informed and your promoter as well if you have any inkling you may not be in shape. Dont leave it til the last minute and be surprised everyone is pissed off.

4. you dont get your wife to fone up to excuse you from games, this isnt being at school, show some respect and be a man and pick the phone up yourself.

5. 20 stone 3 is not a 6 ft one heavywieght prime fighting weight. anything but, it is obvious he was out of shape and far too heavy.

6. Yes we did watch you heart it out as a young man against potter, when you did something extraordinary Danny, but we also aw you fold mentally against Sam and the fearsome beating you took against Vitali could have left you scarred. We also know aobut you shitting it in the past and being in tears etc etc, excuse us if we think you may have crapped yoursefl cos you havent trained and pulled out fearing another beating and the end of the road.

I like Danny always have but on this occasion there are too many things pointing toward the fact that he has 1. not trained and 2. mentally is not there.

Dont bullshit the public, the boxers or the promters anymore Danny, thanks for the good times but its time to retire.

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 08:24**

silkov wrote:I don't think People should be too hard on Danny, he deserves the benifit of the doubt... as for FW the things he said are disgraceful after all the money Williams must have earned him and shows that boxers are just pound notes to that man and when things go wrong he has no loyalty at all to the men themselves.
Look how he was all for an obviously ill Frank Bruno to come back and fight Audely Harrison!!!!....... :x

Bollocks, Williams has done this before he pulled out of a fight with Packheiser at less than 12 hours notice a while ago.

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 08:29**

after the hype about Harrison and Williams last year and a big laughter about european guys like Krasniqi, Sam and Valuev that they won´t be real contenders, things turned round. I was the only one who predicted it.

The great hopes of the British Heavyweight became participants of a little regional tournament. And Michael Sprott, who was never talked about, is now the best boxer who is the only one who will fight for a real title soon. He is actually the only one who is taken seriuos from the rest of the world. He is the real #1 in Britain. Think about that.

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 08:36**

Bubi no one likes a gloater.

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 09:04**

Of course he's finished.

His career has gone as far as it can.

He has 2 options left
1. Retire (which he should), or
2. Fight up and coming European heavies to give them a name on their record, and get himself pummelled for short money in the process.

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 09:27**

J wrote:Bubi no one likes a gloater.

can anybody translate?

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 09:28**

neverwin wrote:Of course he's finished.

His career has gone as far as it can.

He has 2 options left
1. Retire (which he should), or
2. Fight up and coming European heavies to give them a name on their record, and get himself pummelled for short money in the process.

So you think for 2. he should do like Julius Francis?

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 10:13**

BubiScholz wrote:
J wrote:Bubi no one likes a gloater.
can anybody translate?

This may help: http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity ... /ba2-2.txt

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 10:23**

BubiScholz wrote:
J wrote:Bubi no one likes a gloater.
can anybody translate?

a "told you so"

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 10:28**

neverwin wrote:Of course he's finished.

His career has gone as far as it can.

He has 2 options left
1. Retire (which he should), or
2. Fight up and coming European heavies to give them a name on their record, and get himself pummelled for short money in the process.

No way should he do a Julius Francis!

Posted: **21 Jul 2005, 18:51**

nickd wrote:If Williams had flu the doctor would have noticed when he did the medical last friday. There's no way you can have flu and someone doing a medical wouldnt notice thats just ridiculous to continue to make that claim.

Crtainly happens on small Amateur shows. Have some experience of fighting with a fever and the doc saying "well you look strong" when I had a blooming fever and had been living in the bath for the last 3 days.

Posted: **22 Jul 2005, 03:45**

stujones wrote:
nickd wrote:If Williams had flu the doctor would have noticed when he did the medical last friday. There's no way you can have flu and someone doing a medical wouldnt notice thats just ridiculous to continue to make that claim.
Crtainly happens on small Amateur shows. Have some experience of fighting with a fever and the doc saying "well you look strong" when I had a blooming fever and had been living in the bath for the last 3 days.

Allegedly has made comments about him passing the medical so one would assume it was all clear with no symptoms.

BoxRec

Is Danny W Finished?

Is Danny W Finished?