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Williams bemoans US challenges

29/04/2006

Commonwealth champion Danny Williams has attacked the standard of American boxers currently fighting in the heavyweight division.

Americans have traditionally dominated the heavyweight division but in recent times, Europeans have taken centre-stage, especially fighters from Eastern Europe.

Now Williams believes there is a power-shift occurring because of the lack of quality boxers the US is producing.

"I am shocked by the lack of talent in America and they are going to have a long drought," Williams said.

"Only one American, Hasim Rahman, is champion, and he has not even won a fight yet so the Europeans are on top and suddenly the Americans have to come over here to get big fights."

Rahman was given the belt after another European, Ukraine's Vitali Klitschko, retired from the sport and has fought one drawn fight since gaining the WBC belt.

All the other heavyweight titles are held by Europeans: Vitali's brother Vladimir is the current IBF champion after beating American Chris Byrd last weekend, Serguei Lyakhovich of Belarus is the WBO champion and Nikolay Valuev is the WBA title holder.

Williams is aiming for a fight with Valuev before the end of the year but he has been told by promoter Frank Warren that he must wait and concentrate on his rematch with Matt Skelton in July.

Williams still believes though that he will become a world champion in the future.

"Vladimir Klitschko has proved himself the top man at the moment and Lyakhovich can fight, but I think Valuev would be the easiest fight for me out there," Williams added.

"I am still here and hopefully I will fulfil my dream as I am more convinced than ever that I will be a world heavyweight champion before I retire."

Williams will meet Skelton in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on July 8th.

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