World Boxing News has been informed directly by promoters at Prizefighting.tv of the real reasons behind Danny Williams’ withdrawal from his scheduled clash with the returning Ike Ibeabuchi.
Rumors had circulated regarding Williams’ medical clearance, but the promotion insists the British veteran passed every test with no issue before disaster struck in training camp.
Danny Williams Fight Cancellation
In a detailed explanation to worldboxingnews.com, promoter Miyen Akiri explained, “All of Danny’s medicals came back clean, including his MRIs. Danny Williams was training hard for this fight, but he was probably training too hard because he got injured during training.
“Most injuries occur during training and not the actual fight. Fighters train too hard and spar too much. In our opinion, that is what causes most injuries, including head injuries and Dementia pugilistica. Not the actual fight. It is the training.”
The promoters added that Williams, famous for his knockout of Mike Tyson in 2004, was intent on shocking the world again.
“Danny wanted to win this fight by knockout and was training to do so. But unfortunately, the heavy training knocked him out of the bout. We have to say that Danny is also a very religious man, one of the nicest people that we have ever met. We want him to have a speedy recovery. He wants redemption. His record of losses is not him.”
Williams was the first choice
On the subject of age and opportunity, Prizefighting.tv took a firm stance that boxing should remain open to fighters as long as they clear the required checks.
“If a person is healthy (no matter what age), passes all medical tests, Prizefighting.tv believes he should be able to redeem himself. Everyone has the right to pursue their dream, no matter what their age is.”
Akiri confirmed Williams’ replacement against Ibeabuchi almost immediately as Idris Afinni stepped in to take the opportunity on the $29.99 Pay Per View headliner.
The promoters remain clear on Williams. The veteran heavyweight was forced out not by medical rejection, but by the cruel hand of training camp injuries.
Whatever the case may be regarding the former British champion, halting Williams from returning after two years out at 52 is only seen as a good thing for the sport.
Ibeabuchi, despite 26 years out of action, will face similar calls unless he regains some prime form after a significant time in lock-up.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.