Boxer Steve Williams determined to seize his English title chance

Feb 10 2010 by Philip Kirkbride, Birkenhead News

UNDEFEATED Steve Williams says he is determined to put his dashed Prizefighter dreams behind him and claim the English title.

The Wallasey light-welterweight takes on Tottenham’s Michael Grant at York Hall in Bethnal Green, London on Friday night in their rearranged bout for national honours.

Scheduled to meet in November, where the English belt and a place in the following month’s Prizefighter tournament were up for grabs, Williams fell ill and was forced to pull out.

Frustrated former Avalon ABC star Williams (8-0) could only watch on as Grant was handed the final place on the Sky Sports show and came unstuck in the quarter-finals against Jason Cook.

Unimpressed with the standard of boxing he witnessed on the night, Williams wants to seize the opportunity to showcase his talents in front of the television cameras, secure the title and earn himself a shot at the British championship.

If successful on Friday, Williams has been told he will become the mandatory challenger allowing him to size up his next opponent at close quarters as Lenny Daws (holder) and Jason Cook lock horns for the British title in the headlining bout on the night.

Williams said: “This fight was due to take place in November last year but I was ill so had to pull out.

“Because the fight was cancelled Michael Grant automatically went through to the Prizefighter. I watched the tournament and was not impressed with any of the fighters I saw on the night.

“Grant is a fast and clever boxer who stays out of the way. He was perhaps a bit unfortunate to get the cut in the Prizefighter and I am not sure how well it has healed.

“I just plan to stay in front of him, keep the pressure on, keep pushing and don't give him time to think.