By Paul Webb
BLAINE Williams is looking to put on a standout performance when he boxes on October 25th at the Astoria in Wolverhampton on BCB Promotions’ latest event, ‘The Takeover’.
The 29-year-old from Selly Oak made his professional debut in July at the Dudley Town Hall, beating the experienced Colombian Santiago Garces on points 40-36. It was a composed and impressive showing from the super-lightweight talent who confidently took to the task.
“Building up to it, I felt relaxed; I felt calm and comfortable,” said Williams. “There weren’t any nerves; I knew that I wanted to be there and make a statement. After the fight, you get the pats on the back, but then it was about looking at how I can improve and learning when to apply pressure, when to slow things down, and then when to speed up.”
His debut was long awaited, as the familiar stories of medical delays and fight date availability meant a long camp and having to train uncertain on whether he would be able to box. Fight number two has come round far sooner, which has been a big help to Williams preparation.
“The turnaround time for this fight is a lot quicker than my debut, as we had to wait on being cleared to box, and it was a long process. It’s great having a date where I know there are no complications outside the ring. I can just focus on training, and it’s been the best start to the camp possible.”
Williams is coached at the Priory Park ABC in Dudley but has already shown a willingness to travel for training and sparring opportunities. The latest of which has come in the city he will box at on October 25th at the Wolverhampton Boxing Club, sharing a number of rounds with unbeaten Zach Evans.
“We get along well, me and Zach, and the sparring has been great. I treat everything I’m doing in the sport like a professional now, and even though a fight may end up being easy, I know that I have to be prepared. Potentially any fight could be the hardest one of your life, so getting in rounds with quality boxers like Zach is an important part of that preparation.”
Unlike his debut, which came on a four-fight card with another debutant and two boxers inside their first year in the sport, this show will see Williams share the bill with two Midlands champions as well as eleven other boxers, all looking to put on an eye-catching performance.
“This is another stepping stone in my career. There is a bit of pressure to put on a good show that will stand out with so many good boxers on the card, but I love that challenge, and really I’m just fully focused on myself.
“It’s been a great start, and it’s been nice having my family so proud of me. Normally I’m getting told off, so I’m enjoying it, and I want to take this as far as I can.”
