AFTER a first career loss to Hamzah Sheeraz, Austin Williams has recovered well and regained some momentum. This weekend, victory should see him earn a shot at world honours, as he collides with Etinosa Oliha in an IBF final eliminator.
For the most part, Williams, 18-1 (12 KOs), has excelled under the promotional guidance of Eddie Hearn, particularly after jumping up in levels to claim a first-round finish over Chordale Booker in 2022.
Triumphs over Kieron Conway and Steve Rolls then fuelled further discussion of Williams’ potential but, on last year’s Matchroom and Queensberry 5v5 card, ‘Ammo’ lost his undefeated record after getting stopped by Sheeraz in round 11.
Yet despite speculation that the loss could seriously derail the Wisconsin-born southpaw, Williams has since bounced back to halt Gian Garrido, before outpointing Patrice Volny, to move within one win from a crack at the IBF crown.
Meanwhile, Italy’s Oliha, 21-0 (9 KOs), was invited to Germany by Agon Sports to be a sparring partner for their 160lb and 168lb fighters, but the promotional outfit soon acknowledged Oliha’s talent and signed him up to a life-changing contract.
Since then, Oliha has relocated to Germany and won five straight contests, outpointing Julio Alamos for the IBO middleweight title, defending it, and then opting for the IBF route to the top.
Last time out, an IBF eliminator saw Oliha end a run of three straight decision wins with a third-round success against Alexander Pavlov, who looked to be on his way out after suffering an early knockdown, before a shoulder injury ultimately forced him to withdraw.
Now, Oliha fights outside of Europe for the first time in his career, as he attempts to make an impression on the world stage and spring the upset on away soil. His inexperience against opponents of Williams’ calibre, though, makes this an almighty challenge for the 27-year-old.
AUSTIN WILLIAMS VS ETINOSA OLIHA FIGHT PREDICTION
Williams’ lone blemish came at the elite level, and the way in which he has moved on from that defeat has been impressive, whilst Oliha is somewhat untested at the peak of the sport.
Easy on the eye, the American puts his shots together well, whilst the physically imposing Oliha often attempts to walk through fire and use his size to his advantage.
Boxing News believes that Williams is good enough to capitalise on Oliha’s disregard for his opponents’ punch power, and that the favourite will find a conclusive, and concussive, combination to stop ‘El Chapo’ in his tracks.
A Williams stoppage win should then tee up an intriguing clash against reigning IBF middleweight world champion Janibek Alimkhanuly.
