British Boxing: Williams Stalks Skelton

Commonwealth Heavyweight king Danny Williams will be ringside at the York Hall this Saturday (1 April) to watch rival Matt Skelton in his comeback fight before their big rematch in the summer. Skelton has his first fight since losing his unbeaten record to Williams last month in their brutal encounter and takes on Frenchman Suren Kalachyan over eight-rounds. The Brixton puncher will face Skelton again at the M.E.N Arena on July 15 and this time says he will not leave it until the final round to stop Skelton – as he nearly did in the first fight. “I will be there watching Skelton’s every move and seeing how much the first fight affected him and if he is still the same or if he has learnt and improved,” said Williams.

“Personally, I think the first fight would have taken a lot out of Skelton and he should have had longer rest but he wants to get it on again and so do I and it’s all about settling unfinished business,”

He added, “The rematch is very personal to me because I want to show everyone that I was the clear winner the first time round even though I won by split decision,”

“I thought I won easily by three rounds but this time I will show it more conclusively by knocking Skelton out which I nearly did in the last round only this time I will look to bang him out sooner,”

“I can’t wait to get it on with Skelton again, I feel great and I’m in good shape and this time I’m going to raise my game to a new level.”

Manchester’s Steve Foster Jnr headlines the show – to be televised live on ITV4 starting at 10pm – with the first defence of his WBU World Featherweight crown against Glasgow’s John Simpson.

Chief support features Martin Watson in a ten-round lightweight contest against Ryan Barrett.

Portsmouth’s Tony Oakey, the former WBU World Light-Heavyweight Champion, takes on Radek Seman over eight-rounds.

Coatbridge super-featherweight Ricky Burns makes his comeback after losing in his British, Commonwealth and European title bid against Alex Arthur last month and tackles Frenchman Adolf Avadja over six rounds.

Manchester super-featherweight Stephen Bell, Dagenham light-welter Dean Smith, Romford super-middle Richard Horton and Kilburn light-welter Ashley Theophane complete the card.

Tickets priced £40 and £60 are available from the Sports Network Box Office on 01992 550 888.