Former British and Commonwealth champion Danny Williams (42-9, 32 KOs) has made a return to the ring by using a loophole to gain a license under another country.
The 37-year-old Williams, whose international recognition came when he knocked out a faded Mike Tyson in 2004, was thought to be finished in the ring after getting knocked badly by Dereck Chisora in May 2010. That fight was his second consecutive loss following a defeat to Carl Baker. Because of the nature of the defeats, the British Boxing Board of Control advised Williams they would revoke his license if he continued, prompting him to announce his retirement.
But like so many previous boxers, Williams cannot stay away from the ring. After researching boxing rules, he found out he could return to the ring by obtaining a license from the country of Latvia. Although Williams has never visited the European nation, he successfully obtained the license and has already had one bout, a victory over a lowly fighter named Frank Kary Roth (2-22-2, 2 KOs) on March 5.
According to Williams, the comeback is definitely not for money or recognition. His move effectively terminates any chance to fight again for the British title. In addition, he will be earning no money from these fights. Williams knows he can no longer compete at the elite level and wants nothing more beyond the opportunity to continue boxing.
“All I want to do is box. I have no desire to become a trainer or a promoter,” Williams explained to The Times. “I’m a realist, not a fool. I know what skills I’ve got left and what level I can still box at… Because I’m now effectively a Latvian boxer, I’ve given up my right to fight for the British title. I’m just going to see where things take me. I’ve been training at my old amateur club, the Lynn in Peckham. They’ve given me a key and I go in there at night when the amateurs have gone home.”
“All through my career I was hampered because I put far too much pressure on myself. Now that pressure has lifted and I know where I am in the sport, I’m enjoying it so much more. I just don’t want to finish boxing yet. I love everything about it.”
At press time, Danny Williams’ next bout will be on April 8 in Hamburg, Germany against a fighter named Laszlo Toth (9-2, 5 KOs).
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 