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Bahamian heavyweight Sherman “The Tank” Williams has been waiting years for the opportunity he’ll finally get August 18 when he fights unbeaten “Baby” Joe Mesi in the 10-round co-feature on the “Pinnacle FiteNite” pay-per-view event live from South Towne Exposition Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Williams (33-10-2, 19 KOs) had an up-and-down career until signing a promotional contract with Silverhawk Championship Boxing in 2006. Sherman has won his last eight fights dating back two years (8-0, 4 KOs) and collected several title belts along the way, including the NBA, CABOFE (Caribbean) and WBF Intercontinental championships.
“The Tank” has defeated former world champion Alfred “Ice” Cole, fought a draw with world heavyweight title challenger Jameel McCline, and took present WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev the full distance in Germany.
What’s eluded Williams has been a top 15 rating and world title fight, which he could better position for if he gets past Mesi (35-0, 28 KOs), the former No. 1 ranked heavyweight contender.
“I feel good and strong,” Williams said from his Vero Beach training camp. “My powers up; my strengths up. I critique myself and in my last few fights I’ve gotten rid of my bad habits like waiting too long (to engage) and staying outside. I’ve been staying in the pocket and getting off my power punches. I’m takin’ it to Mesi. I have a picture of Joe Mesi in my mind and he looks like Josh Gutcher did when I fought him (devastating first round KO). I’m going to make it short and sweet so any critics won’t have too much to write about other than Tank Williams KO’s Joe Mesi in a great fight.”
“They (Team Mesi) made the offer and I took it for the opportunity value. I’m going to take him out. With Mesi’s size, unless he’s changed, he won’t run. I was supposed to fight him a few years ago. We signed contracts but 10 days before the fight he gave us a sad story and pulled out. I hope he’s coming with heart this time.”
Williams isn’t overly concerned with Mesi’s much publicized medical issues that sidelined him two years, nor the potential that a victory against “Baby” Joe would be in any way tarnished.
“When I knock him out,” Williams remarked, “the last thing I want to hear is that Mesi was damaged goods. I’m a Christian. I don’t want to hurt anybody and I pray for both fighters. But they offered me this fight. Joe’s father (Jack) and his advisors are smart people. They’ve made a conscious choice to make this fight. It’s a done deal.
“Similar things (health issues) were said about Evander Holyfield and he’s looked great in his last two fights. I’m preparing now to win. We’re going to have a great fight on August 18 and I’m going to knockout Joe Mesi.”
Mesi-Williams will be part of the 3-hour, four-fight minimum Pinnacle FiteNite event available live on Aug. 18 at 9:00 PM ET/6:00 PM PT on both cable and satellite PPV via iN Demand, DirecTV and TVN, as well as live in Canada via satellite PPV on Bell Expressvue, for a suggested retail price of $24.95.
For more information about Silverhawk Boxing call 702.492.4922 or go to www.wilverhawkboxing.com.
