Danny Williams preparing to fight just months before his 50th birthday
The 'Brixton Bomber' Danny Williams is a two-time British and Commonwealth champion from London who has had 87 professional boxing bouts since his pro debut last century in 1995 – 28 years ago!
The 49-year-old veteran, who defeated Mike Tyson in 2004, has lost six from his last seven pro fights, which included being knocked out four times! He was last seen in a professional boxing ring in November last year, losing on points in Albania. Prior to that, he fought in Germany, Ukraine, Russia, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Austria, Hungary. His last fight in the UK was in 2010 against Derek Chisora.
Fight fans reacted in horror when news emerged that he was going to fight on in 2023, the year he turns 50, this July.
Fulham-based promotions company, DKM Plush Boxing, announced on their social media channels this week: "MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT – Former professional heavyweight Danny Williams takes on arguably one of the best heavyweight boxers on the circuit Jon DP Shaw at what will be the biggest EVER night of white colour boxing at the Indigo O2 on Saturday 1st April, 2023!
"Williams who’s professional career involved fights with the likes of Vitali Klitschko, Derek Chisora, Audley Harrison, Julius Francis and a win against MIKE TYSON makes his DKMPLUSH debut taking on one of the best white collar boxers in the UK in Jon DP Shaw!
"A massive co main event title fight will be announced very soon as will a stacked undercard full of title fights as champions take on champions!"
Fans responded in disbelief… "This has to be April Fools joke. Please don't let Danny fight," said one Twitter user.
Former Southern Area super-lightweight champion Rakeem Noble immediately tweeted in response to the shocking news: "Danny Williams headlining at the O2 (Indigo) in 2023 is just another case of boxing."
Published author Andrew Fairly pleaded: "Someone please save Danny from himself. This is not going to end well for God's sake."
Others added their disapproval: "They won't be happy til Danny is in a wheelchair or worse!"
"It's absolutely disgusting!"
"This is outrageous"
"Wow… that's ridiculous"
"It's unreal that he's still fighting."
'Dangerous Dan' Williams challenged once for the WBC and The Ring magazine heavyweight titles in 2004 against Vitali Klitschko.
He has held multiple heavyweight championships, including the Commonwealth title twice between 1999 and 2006; the British title twice between 2000 and 2010; and challenged once for the European title in 2003. As an amateur, he won bronze medals at the 1993 European Championships and 1994 Commonwealth Games.
Williams is best known for scoring an upset knockout victory against Mike Tyson in 2004.
His pro decut was four decades ago in 1995.
