Boxing Info: “Hollywood” Williams shooting for stars

ByBoxing Press

Super middleweight contender Rubin “Hollywood” Williams, coming off of a National Boxing Association title winning performance last Friday in Las Vegas, has his sights set on a major world title shot within 12 months. For now, though, the Detroit native is open to fighting any top 20 rated fighter.

Williams (29-2, 16 KOs), 30, has relocated in Vero Beach (FL) from his native Detroit. Last Friday night, he defeated veteran Max Heyman (21-8-4) by 12-round unanimous decision 155-113 three times) for the vacant NBA super middleweight championship.

“I’m all the way back now,” Williams said confidently. “I’m feeling strong and comfortable. My new promoter, Silverhawk Boxing, is keeping me busy and taking good care of me. I suffered a cut from a head butt, but I’d like to be fighting again in 45 days. This was my second fight (with Silverhawk) after being out of action (10 months) for a while. It was a beautiful experience and a lot of my fans were supporting me there.

“I would have knocked out my opponent if he came in at 168 like I did. He weighed 174 and didn’t struggle to make weight. I won on pure guts. I was bleeding (from the head butt) and couldn’t put my punches together. I was able to go 12 rounds because of my conditioning. I want to win a major world title at 168 before moving up to 175.”

A natural athlete who played basketball and ran track, Williams compiled a 132-16 amateur record, including a victory against 2000 Olympic Silver Medallist and former IBF super middleweight champion, Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy. Williams’ nickname – “Hollywood” – was coined because of his matinee idol looks and flashy fighting style.

Rubin turned pro August 10, 2001 with a four-round decision against Kolmage Harris in Detroit. He won his first 19 fights, 11 by knockout, capturing the Michigan State light heavyweight title with a third-round TKO of Warren Jackson (8-1) and Mike McFail by 10-round decision for the Midwestern middleweight belt in 2003.

From mid-2003 to early 2005, Williams reeled off seven straight wins, including an opening round KO of Warren Moore (17-5) for the NABC Intercontinental super middleweight crown, followed by an IBU Intercontinental super middleweight title victory against Tim Bowe (14-9-1) by 10-round decision, and a successful defense by another 10-round decision against Aaron Norwood (21-4-2).

In 2005, Williams lost a world title fight to International Boxing Federation champion Lacy, but Rubin has gotten back on track by winning his last three bouts.

“I want to fight the best like (Joe) Calzaghe or the (Mikkel) Kessler-(Markus) Byer winner (Oct. 14 WBA/WBC unification bout in Denmark),” Williams added. “I rise to the level of my competition. I’ve been knocked out, cut and fought back. There’s nothing more for me to experience other than winning a major world title. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do
when I get a shot. Until then I’m willing to fight anybody in the top 20.”

Williams, rated No. 23 by the World Boxing Council, is promoted by Silverhawk Boxing, managed by Rider Boxing, and trained by Henry Hill. “Hollywood” also is rated No. 2 by the NABA, No. 3 by the NABF and No. 5 by the NABO.

For more information about Williams or Silverhawk Boxing visit its web site at www.silverhawkboxing.com.