Marquis Taylor targets Orlando showdown against Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams in March
Houston’s Marquis ‘0 Snatcher’ Taylor has set his sights on Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams following his second successful defence of the NABF middleweight belt.
Taylor (18-1-2, 3KOs) secured a unanimous decision over Ivan Pandzic following their 10-round tussle in Houston on Friday and immediately announced he wanted to take on Williams (17-1-0, 12KOs).
Fresh from the Houston fight, the Texan and his manager Bobby Harrison have already begun to sound out Williams’ team at this week’s WBA Conference in Orlando after Matchroom announced ‘Ammo’ would headline a card in Orlando on March 15th, 2025.
No opponent was announced for Williams, and both Taylor and Harrison, CEO of BiYu Promotions, have met Matchroom’s head of fighter development Kevin Rooney while in Orlando to push their claims.
Taylor has been eager to take on Williams, who is ranked inside the world’s top 10 with the WBC and WBA, only to be knocked back on two occasions. The latest occasion was in November when Williams snubbed Taylor to fight Gian Garrido.
However, with the ‘0 Snatcher’ expected to rise up the rankings of both the WBC and WBA on the back of his sixth successive win, there is optimism a deal can be done with Williams and Matchroom.
Harrison said: “Marquis said after his win that he wanted to fight Austin Williams. I’ve spoken with Kevin Rooney as has Marquis as he wants to be headlining that March 15th card against Williams. We’ve had a couple of occasions where they might have got in the ring but it never happened. This time, we’re not looking for a last minute opportunity but one that’s acceptable to both parties.
“The timing is right to make it happen. This is the fight we want so we’re ready to talk and do business.”
The 31-year-old is due to return to training in four to six weeks after he sustained a cut over his right eye during the win over Pandzic.
Harrison also confirmed that Taylor will continue to train with two-time world welterweight champion Shawn Porter.