12.09.05 – Interview by Ike Enwereuzor: DaVarryl “Touch of Sleep” Williamson (22-3, 18KO’s) is getting ready for his mandatory challenge against IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd (38-2-1 20KO’s) on October 1, 2005 at the Reno Event Center, Reno, NV (SHOWTIME 9:15 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast ) for the IBF heavyweight championship…
In his last fight Williamson TKO’d Derrick Jefferson in round 2 to catpure the vacant NABO and WBC Continental Americas heavyweight title His professional career victims include a 12 rounds majority decision win over Eliecer Castillo, who he defeated to grab the vacate NABF and WBO Latino heavyweight championship, In January 2002 he TKO’d Kevin McBride. In Nov 2004 he fought a hard 10 rounds to beat former world champion Oliver McCall by decision.
In his fourth fight and first loss, four months after his pro debut, October 2000, Williamson lost to Willie Chapman in Las Vegas, NV by 4th round TKO. He learned from that fight and got his career back on track, he won all his fights until september 2003 when he suffered a first round round to Joe Mesi and lost again in october 2004 to former WBO heavyweight champion Wladmir Klitschko by premature stoppage in 5th round due to a head clash.
What’s your impression of IBF heavyweight champion Chris Byrd?
Williamson: He’s a great fighter, very sleek and I’m trying to be ready for the fight with him. It will be a good show for fans to watch and enjoy. I’ll be on it though, it may be my toughest fight I ever had but I know what to do. I must thank my promoter Don King, he’s the greatest promoter in the world and he has proven it over and over again. My dream is to become a world champion.
Ike: Tell us about your four amateur fights with current WBO heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster?
Williamson: I beat Lamon Brewster three times in the amateurs and lost just once. Every fight I had with him was a war.
Ike: How would you describe your fight with Kevin McBride, who just beat Mike Tyson in June 2005?
Williamson: It was a great show and a slugfest for 5 rounds. I was in good condition plus my amateur boxing skills helped me out.
Ike: Describe your fight with Oliver McCall?
Williamson: Tough as a nail, I hit him with everything he was still there. It was another tough test I passed. I hit him with everything and he wouldn’t go away. The fight went the distance.
Ike: Please, tell us about your fight with Eliecer Castillo where you won the NABF belt?
Williamson: It was a good piece of work I displayed. I’ll say it is my best performance to date. We went to full 12 rounds.
Ike: Tell us about your fight with former WBO heavyweight champ, Wladmir Klitschko?
Williamson: I wanted to fight him again but he didn’t want a piece of me. He wanted to go to court and he lost. He was going to lose in the ring too but he rather lost in court. My fight with Klitschko was the first time I followed the coach instructions all the way. My team was happy the way things went, this is why Wladmir didn’t want to fight again… now I have to face Chris Byrd. I think he knows what occurred in the first fight. I’m too risky for him, IBF ruled me to be the mandatory challenger. I’m going to try to win the belt.
Ike: How would you decribe your performance against Derrick Jefferson?
Williamson: It was a risky fight for me but I passed the test once again. It was exciting two rounds.
Ike: Your prediction for the Klitschko-Peter fight?
Williamson: Peter hasn’t been tested yet but he has a hard punch, big and strong but nobody has hit him yet. Wladmir can hit too so it should be interesting fight to watch and for the division.
Ike: How did you get your ring name “Touch of Sleep” ?
Williamson: I was putting people to sleep so the man I respect a lot Lawrence Clay-Bey told me to keep this name, so It suck with me since.
Ike: What would you like to tell your fans?
Williamson: I want to thank all my fans for their supports. See you all at the next fight.
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