Danny Williams did a not untypical disappearing act today claiming that he needed more time to consider whether he would fight Derek Chisora.
Williams agreed earlier this week to defend his British heavyweight title against Chisora at Wembley Arena on February 13 after original opponent Sam Sexton withdrew from the fight with a hand injury.
Today Williams failed to show up at a press conference in London to publicise the fight, leaving manager Mickey Helliet to do the talking for him.
Chisora and his promoter Frank Warren were on hand though, and both demanded that Williams make up his mind within 24 hours.
"Either Danny wants the fight against Chisora or he doesn't," said Warren. "He's got to decide and decide quickly.
"Who knows what goes on in Danny Williams' head, but if he doesn't want the fight then he should give up the title and retire.
"We went to a lot of trouble getting the BBBofC to approve Chisora, and also talked it over with Sky TV. We got a message back from Danny saying that he was happy with the fight, but now he's asking for more time to decide what to do."
Williams has some history in this department, having previously pulled out of a clash with Matt Skelton after weighing in, and refusing to sit at the same press conference table as Audley Harrison.
The 36-year-old's career could well come to a finish if he refuses to fight Chisora, especially if he is stripped of his British title or forced to vacate.
It would be a sad way for the man who beat Mike Tyson to finish given that he has indicated that his appearance at Wembley will be his last.
Chisora, unbeaten in 11 fights and with a win over Sexton, called on Williams to meet him.
"Let's get it on," said the 26-year-old. "I'm ready for Danny, I'll be there on February 13, and I just hope he is.
"May be he is just playing mind games with me. Whoever Frank asks me to fight I'll fight."
Williams' manager Helliet conceded that Chisora was probably a better fight for Williams, and would allow him to go out on a high, but said he did not know what the Brixton Bomber would decide to do.
"I can 100% state that it is not about the money," said Helliett. "Danny is happy with the package that he's been offered, it's just a question of whether he wants to fight Chisora instead of Sexton."
If Williams decides not to commit to the fight, Warren is likely to attempt to resurrect a clash between Chisora and Matt Skelton.
An English title fight between the two was originally set for the undercard, but with Skelton a former holder of the British title, a match up for the Lonsdale belt would not be inconceivable.
Meanwhile Sam Sexton, who cut his hand in training camp, will almost certainly fight whoever emerges as British champion on February 13, or, if Williams retains his title and then retires, he will challenge for the vacant belt.
Tuesday, 09 February 2010
if this is to be his last fight then it would be a chance to gain some redemption, and if harrison was succesfull there would be some good matches come up from that.