07.07.06 – By James Slater: In Quite shocking fashion, Danny Williams weighed-in at an absolutely massive 288 pounds for Tomorrow nights rematch fight with Matt Skelton. This is a staggering increase of 21 pounds for Danny. While in comparison, Matt hit the scale at the exact same weight – of 255 pounds – that he fought their first fight at, held in February. Is this a good sign for the older man?
Surely, it must be seen as somewhat alarming when a heavyweight contender’s weight can fluctuate as much as Danny’s does. And despite his claims of being fitter than ever – due, he says to his having trained for some time in an oxygen tent – one simply has to question the strictness of his latest preparations. Has Danny been feeding his craving for the cakes he loves so much? Let’s hope not.
There is a lot at stake for both men tomorrow. The winner is in with a good chance of fighting the huge Nicolai Vaulev for the WBA heavyweight title, according to promoter Frank Warren. So what is Williams’ whopping poundage all about? How can he expect to be mobile in the fight? He promises a KO win this time, and maybe the increased weight is part of his plan in getting it.
But, what if this approach fails to bring the desired result? Danny has mentioned the fourth round as the one in which he thinks he’ll despatch Skelton. If, however, he goes all-out to achieve this but fails, he will find himself in serious trouble. No way can Danny’s stamina be in good shape when carrying so much bulk. Matt, on the other hand, is always fit and full of energy. It just may be that Skelton will weather an early storm, and then come on to stop the out of gas Williams.
Danny is, and always has been, a notoriously unreliable fighter. He has lost fights he had no business losing, due, it appeared, to his fragile mental state. Now, after what certainly appears to have been sloppy conditioning, he could lose due to his ballooning weight. Of course, there is a chance that Danny will look fit and be fit at his heaviest ever weight. But would you be happy going into tomorrow’s bout if you were William’s trainer? I wouldn’t. In fact, I’d love to hear what Danny’s coach – former super featherweight contender Jim McDonnell – thinks about his man’s dedication to training and controlling his weight. I cannot see how he can be happy. I think, at least judging from the appearances of the two men as they stood on the scales earlier, the odds now favour thirty eight year old Matt Skelton.
He is absolutely desperate to avenge the defeat to Williams, a defeat he maintains was only due to a bad decision, and IF Danny has taken him lightly (no pun intended!) he will be in for one tough night . For Matt, as I’ve said, always gives one hundred percent – in training and in the ring. He will be looking for victory in Cardiff tomorrow night, and with his aggressive and sometimes rough style, against a man who will have no choice but to stand right in front of him – with his weight Danny’s legs aren’t going to have too much bounce in them – he just might get it. If he is beaten, Danny Williams will be asking himself some serious questions, as will the critics. The most obvious one being, has Britain’s highest ranked heavyweight eaten himself out of a world title shot?
Matt Skelton to win – either by late stoppage or clear points verdict.