You are in > manchester.com  > News > Williams and Skelton promised WBA incentive

Boxing

Williams and Skelton promised WBA incentive

07/07/2006

Boxing promoter Frank Warren is confident he can convince WBA champion Nikolai Valuev to fight the winner of this weekend's Commonwealth heavyweight showdown between Danny Williams and Matt Skelton at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Speaking at the final head-to-head press conference before Saturday's crunch rematch, Warren said talks have already begun with Valuev's camp and will recommence immediately after the winner of the eagerly-anticipated fight has been announced.

The promise of a world title fight against the vulnerable Beast from the East will add extra incentive for the fighters, both of whom are determined to prove they are Britain's top heavyweight boxer.

"I have been speaking to Chris Meyer, the chief executive of Valuev's promoters, and that is the fight we are working on at the moment," Warren said.

"Valuev is the guy who is getting all the attention in the division at the moment so he is the one we would like to do. If not we will take a look at the three other world champions.

"But first we have got a big fight to get through and if it is half as good as their first match it is going to be one of the most competitive heavyweight fights we have seen in years."

Valuev is currently sidelined with a knee injury but is expected to return to the ring before the end of the year and Warren believes he can land that possible date.

Brixton Bomber Williams retained his Commonwealth belt by outpointing British champion Skelton in a brutal battle at London's Excel Arena in February this year.

Warren had suggested a world title fight could be awarded the winner then but he failed to deliver, instead preferring a lucrative domestic TV rematch.

Should Williams, 32, triumph again he will almost certainly demand a shot at a world title but it has been rumoured that Skelton, seven years older than his foe, could hang up his gloves after the bout, regardless of the outcome.

© Adfero Ltd