AUSTIN ‘Ammo’ Williams was forced to work for every second of his 12-round decision win over Patrice Volny in Orlando’s Caribe Royale last night.
Soon to become a father, Williams, 28, brought his wife into the ring, warning future opponents that they will be facing a new beast, trying to take food off his table. The judges’ helpings were plentiful in Williams’ favour, awarding him the win by scores of 115-113, 116-112 and a 118-110 that in no way represented what actually took place.
Showing fitness and maturity, Williams boxed well, but Volny’s tight guard and patient strategy caused issues from first bell until last. DAZN analyst Chris Mannix scored it 114-114.
While Williams held the advantage in speed and power, Volny’s calm, capable pressure ramped up as the flight progressed. His left jab and left hook caught Ammo napping more than once.
As fatigue set in and Volny’s arms naturally dropped, Williams found more openings. However, Volny’s jab remained consistent and he always made sure to answer back. It was a competitive affair where both men emerged with credit. The judge who scored it 10-2 in rounds, not so much credit.
Williams, 18-1 (10 KOs) gritted it out in the final rounds, engaging just enough with Volny, 19-2 (13 KOs) to grab the decision and proudly hoist the WBA Continental Americas middleweight title around his waist. “The oldest sanctioning body recognises me as their champion,” Williams proclaimed. He is a likeable character in a 160-pound division that needs an injection of flair and energy.
