Oleg Platov will defend his IBF Intercontinental Heavyweight Title against Danny Williams on the Abraham undercard in Basle on Saturday night. The hard-hitting Ukrainian (26-1, 22 KOs) won the belt from former WBO heavyweight champion Henry Akinwande in November 2006 when he clinched a split decision. He is now eager to prove his class again against another experienced and highly-respected veteran..
“Danny Williams is a very strong opponent,” 24-year-old Platov said. “I watched his fights against Mike Tyson and Vitali Klitschko. It tells you something about his class. He is very dangerous.”
Platov has already made one successful defense of his IBF title, stopping Colin Wilson in the tenth round of their meeting in Stuttgart back in April 2006. However, he knows that Williams will provide him with a much tougher challenge. “For me to reach the next level, I have to beat the best fighters,” Platov added. “I have to defeat everyone to reach the top.”
Williams (37-6, 30 KOs) wrote boxing history in July 2004 when he knocked out former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in the fourth round. He then proved a great chin and his heart in the clash with WBC champion Vitali Klitschko, who stopped him in the eighth round. It would not spell the only disappointment of Williams´ career as he lost to Matt Skelton and Audley Harrison last year before knocking out Scott Gammer in March 2007. “That was my opportunity to prove that I wasn´t finished and that you should never underestimate me,” Williams said. “I am an unpredictable fighter and when people write me off I always come back.”
Williams is eager to put himself back in the frame for a world title shot with a win over Platov. “I believe he is a very good fighter,” he said. “He proved he is world class when he beat Henry Akinwande. I see this fight as a chance to climb in the rankings because Platov is ranked quite high. I have not stopped training since April and I am hungrier than ever for this fight.”