Boxing: Williams has opportunity to resurrect ailing career

Danny Williams, the forgotten man of British heavyweight boxing, returns to the ring against Augustine N'Gou at York Hall, Bethnal Green tonight.

Danny Williams, the forgotten man of British heavyweight boxing, returns to the ring against Augustine N'Gou at York Hall, Bethnal Green tonight.

Williams has fallen a long way from his position in the international scene just 18 months ago when he was considered one of the leading contenders for one of the many world titles available.

Two defeats, a bemusing attitude to success and a hastily postponed clash against Herbie Hide all assisted in his passage away from the sport's limelight. Now Williams is determined to make up for lost time and get as many wins under his belt before the call comes in for a meaningful encounter somewhere.

N'Gou, his opponent tonight, has lost just once in 22 fights and he is best known for his size, but surprisingly at yesterday's weigh-in Williams weighted fractionally more than N'Gou. The pair both tipped the scales at over 18st.

As usual one of the sport's more meaningless belts is on offer this evening. The winner will drive home with the World Boxing Union inter-continental bauble tucked away in his kitbag.

There is, however, a mild incentive for the winner because the lucky man could get to meet George Kandelaki for the WBU's proper heavyweight title. The Georgian is unbeaten, untested, unknown and would therefore be an ideal opponent for Williams or N'Gou.

Williams will want to get right back near the top of what is basically an extremely mediocre pack of so-called leading heavyweight contenders. If he can find enough mobility and the right punches he will undoubtedly take care of N'Gou in a one-sided fight but if he once again fights like a stranger inside the ropes, he could lose for the fourth time and put an end to his once promising career.