Exclusive Interview: Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion Danny Williams

When I arranged an interview with Commonwealth Heavyweight champion Danny Williams, many people told me what a down to earth guy he is. That turned out to be more than true when on a cold winter’s morning, not only did Danny offer to do the interview on his day off from training, he even picked me up from the tube station and drove me to his former amateur gym to take some exclusive pictures. During the ten minute drive to his old amateur

Click for larger image © Robin York Saddo Boxing

club, Lynne A/C in Camberwell, we touched on various subjects. The “Brixton Bomber” agreed that Owen Beck has done nothing to deserve a shot at Nicolay Valuev’s WBA crown and how good Many Pacquiao looked when destroying Erik Morales last weekend. Danny said that after watching Graham Earl’s superb victory over Yuri Romanov last night that he felt the Luton man was one of the most improved fighters and praised his heart and determination. On entering the gym, which was empty except for he two of us, it made me think of how lonely training for the Harrison fight must have been and that maybe it had improved his mental strength, being alone for a long time. After a workout on the heavy bag and some shadow boxing, Williams was ready to answer my list of questions, many of which SaddoBoxing readers wanted answers to.

Click for larger image © Robin York / Saddo Boxing

SB: What’s your training routine for Matt Skelton?

DW: “I go for a two hour run at 5am then have a kip. After breakfast, I do the main training with Jim and then have another rest before doing the groundwork and then sometimes going swimming. I train three times a day.”

SB: What’s your favourite part of training?

DW: “The week before the fight when the training becomes easier. You’re basically just sharpening up.”

SB: What’s your thoughts on Matt Skelton?

DW: “He’s inexperienced. A lot of people say that Skelton doesn’t have a good style but I disagree because his aggressive style works for him. His downfall is his inexperience.”

SB: Who do you want to fight if you beat Matt Skelton?

DW: “Valuev or any of the other champions. If that fails then I’ll aim for the European.”

SB: Would you travel to Germany to fight Valuev?

DW: “Without a shadow of a doubt. I’ll knock him out; the judges won’t be needed.”

SB: Who wins the James Toney vs. Hasim Rahman showdown?

DW: “Very difficult to say. I’ll say Toney, but this is Toney’s first fight against a big heavyweight. Holyfield was finished. We will see if Toney is a real class heavyweight against Rahman.”

SB: What weight are you aiming for when you fight Skelton?

DW: “Ain’t got a clue but I will be lighter. I’ve come off the chocolate and the Mr Kipling cakes and am now eating much healthier.”

SB: Who’s hit you the hardest as a pro?

DW: “Tyson.”

SB: How many fights do you feel you have left in you?

DW: “No idea.”

SB: How would you like to be remembered after you have retired?

DW: “As a fighter who never gives up. A true warrior, someone who always gives their best.”

SB: If you could fight any fighter in history, who would it be?

DW: “I have a few. Jack Johnson, as I would like to see how he does against a modern heavyweight. Marciano, as I would like to feel his strength. I think Marciano was a great fighter. Muhammad Ali, because he is a legend and would love to fight against his speed.”

SB: Which fight have you learned the most from?

DW: “Klitschko. I boxed with a dislocated shoulder and felt I showed a lot of heart. I thought I took my bravery and heart to another level in that fight. But, I learned that I had to improve. I was back in the gym at 3am after that fight to improve on what went wrong and turn the negatives into positives.”

SB: What’s your reasons for weighing in so heavy lately as a lot of fans believe you are more effective when lighter?

DW: “Because I keep eating chocolate, Mr Kipling cakes and McDonalds. It was an addiction but I’ve beaten that addiction now and I’m going to be lighter and sharper from now on.”

SB: If all four world heavyweight champions were Muslims, would you continue in the sport?

DW: “I would still carry on boxing. To be a true Muslim, you need to pray five times a day. If you don’t do that, then I would fight you.”

SB: Will you remain in the sport as a trainer after you retire?

DW: “No idea.”

SB: Best fighter in the sport today?

DW: “Floyd Mayweather.”

SB: Favourite fighter of all time?

DW: “I can’t name just one. Willie Pep, Marciano, Jersey Joe Walcott and Ali.”

SB: Can Audley Harrison come back?

DW: “I believe he will come back but I don’t think he will ever fight any of the top fighters.”

SB: Favourite venue that you have fought at?

DW: “Madison Square Garden. All the legends have fought there.”

SB: Who wins – Lacy or Calzaghe?

DW: “Hard one. Calzaghe definitely needs this fight. He has been champion so many years and he needs a big fight like this. Lacy is such an improved fighter.”

SB: Interests outside boxing?

DW: (laughing) “Apart from eating chocolate, holidays and relaxing with my family.”

SB: Any message for your fans?

DW: “Stick behind me. I’ve beaten the sweets addiction and you’re going to see a slimmer, quicker fighter. The best is still yet to come and thanks for your support.”

SaddoBoxing would like to thank Danny Williams for taking the time do this interview and we wish him all the best of luck in the future.