Bahamian heavyweight champion Sherman "The Tank" Williams acknowledges that he is on the last part of his ring career journey. At 41, and a common sense practitioner, Williams has few regrets.
He would have preferred on that night, January 22, 2011, that Referee Dave Johnson had insisted on Evander Holyfield continuing. As it happened however, Johnson declared the bout a no-contest, ruling that Holyfield was unable to go on because of a cut above the left eye.
It didn't appear that Holyfield's vision was bothered because blood was not flowing from the cut. Nevertheless, on a night that Williams was in control of his most noted of opponents, the referee's decision was not in his favor. Williams readily admits his disappointment for not having appeared more times in the ring before a home crowd.
He also wanted to add the Commonwealth boxing title to his list of regional and international crowns. Although several opportunities were presented to him, the proposed matches were never finalized. So with the competitive window closing, he is set to head for Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday, October 5 to get acclimated for his bout with local fighter Joseph Parker on October 16.
Presently, Williams is preparing at several gyms in the Port Lucie and Boca Raton areas, in Florida, with trainers Gus Curren and Charles Money.
"I'm pushing through and preparing each day for the fight. My spiritual being is strengthened and I look to the hills where my help comes from, for my help comes from God. My goal is to be victorious and represent The Bahamas, and bring the title back. That's my motivation. I have incorporated all the years of my experience, fine-tuning, enhancing and building my skill level in preparation for this fight. I'm not awed by the situation. Yes, I am fighting their young hopeful. I am fighting in his backyard. I have had to deal with similar circumstances many times before. I'm fighting for my country. He will feel some conch punches, for sure," said Williams confidently.
His ring management skills are not in doubt. He gives up five inches in height however, to Parker, and is 19 years older. Those are two huge barriers for "The Tank" to clear. He has a stout heart though and will be fighting with the full understanding that a good showing against Parker will better position him to attract promoters for his planned career close-out five matches in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
Williams is hoping to impress The Bahamas' Ministry of Tourism with his performance against Parker.
o To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian