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Tyson opponent sees obscurity as advantage
Danny Williams turned 31 yesterday, but there was no party. Just a regular training day for his upcoming bout with Mike Tyson.
- Indo-Asian News Service
- Updated: February 25, 2007 09:08 AM IST
Read Time:2 min
Louisville:
Danny Williams turned 31 yesterday, but there was no party. Just a regular training day for his upcoming bout with Mike Tyson. He's planning to celebrate after the fight. Williams (31-3, 26 KOs) is a former British Commonwealth heavyweight champion but is relatively unknown in the United States. His two previous fights in the United States were his only two outside Europe. Williams counts his anonymity as an advantage. Role of an underdog "I'm like a secret, these guys haven't seen what I can do," said Williams. He's also relishing the role of underdog, one he's unaccustomed to having. "It's a beautiful feeling," he said. "When I'm in England as the champion, guys are always coming up to me and I've got massive pressure on me because everyone's expecting me to win." Tough competition "In this fight, I'm expected to be knocked out in a couple of rounds. So there's no pressure on me and that's why I'm so relaxed," he added. Tyson hasn't fought since stopping Clifford Etienne in 49 seconds on February 22, 2003. He's been living in a modest house in suburban Phoenix, away from the lavish lifestyle and wasteful spending that landed him deep in debt. Still, Williams knows who the star of the fight is. And though Williams estimates Tyson's ability at about 40 per cent what it was when he knocked out 26 of his first 28 opponents, the former world champ is not one to be taken lightly. Gov. Ernie Fletcher and Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson have each said that they do not support Tyson, who has served time for rape. Williams defended his opponent. "I believe he should be able to fight." He's paid his price for what he's done. He should get to make a living like everyone else," said Williams. (AP)Topics mentioned in this article
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