Sherman "Tank" Williams is 42. He has been boxing as a professional, now into the 18th year. Williams has put together an excellent record of 37-14-2-1 from 54 fights. He has been a sports ambassador supreme for his country.
The time has come for him to think seriously about closing his boxing competitive career. He has been thinking of that, despite being in an era when some boxers continue after reaching age 50. Amazingly, Williams's ability has not diminished over the last 12 years. What he demonstrated last December when he defeated Manuel Banquez, in New Providence, was exactly what he has been bringing into the ring since he became an elite opponent.
If any athlete deserves a swan song, it is Williams. The country owes him a nice ride into the sunset. With sports tourism becoming so significant to the country, one of the major planks of that industry ought to be shown appreciation for his contribution to the continued building process of the Bahamian sports image through his ring activities.
No Bahamian boxer outside of Elisha Obed has been more significantly decorated in the ring. He has held at different times, six regional titles. He is one of just five Bahamians (Gomeo Brennan, Obed, Ray Minus Jr., Edner Cherry are the others) to fight for an authentic world boxing title.
His title shot, came against the then World Boxing Federation (WBF) champion Evander Holyfield.
Williams was getting the better of Holyfield in their 2011 bout when the legendary American decided he had enough and blamed it on a slight eye area cut. Because the fight had not concluded four rounds, it was declared a no contest. Actually, all ring activities considered, that was Williams' finest moment. He had gone in with one of the greats and more than held his own. He outclassed Holyfield for the short period they engaged each other in fistic combat.
Williams was on Grand Bahama, his native island, recently still trying to network with the Ministry of Tourism and corporate entities to do a series of bouts to close out his career. Nothing conclusive was decided, but he sounded upbeat before returning to his home base in Florida.
There is the concern that despite what he has meant to sports tourism, he is not thought of as being quite the marketable product the Ministry of Tourism wishes to work with at this time. Let me just emphasize that with athletes like Williams, the direct focus should never be on any particular point in their careers, but rather on the full journey taken, showcasing their talents to the world, on behalf of their country.
Williams did a lot to enhance the image of his country positively.
(To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com)
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