Grand Bahama native Sherman “Tank” Williams, is still marketable in his profession, at the ripe age of 43. The Bahamian heavyweight champion, one of the most decorated athletes in the country, still thrives in an era of older prominent fighters.
Recently he worked out with two former world heavyweight champions, Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe, and declared that he was ready for his next ring encounter. Williams is scheduled to fight in Copenhagen, Denmark on October 1, headlining a Morgan Pale Promotions card against an opponent to be named later.
Williams’ last fight was a victory over Jamal Woods to bring his record to 38-15-2. Meanwhile, he works out regularly at his favorite gym at the casino in Seminole, Florida and also fashions his schedule to include a mentoring program for young boys.
This is a good time for Williams and he says spending time with Holyfield and Bowe is a pleasure.
Bahamian heavyweight champion Sherman “Tank” Williams, right, pictured with elite members of the world boxing fraternity Evander Holyfield at left and Riddick Bowe at center.
“While working with Evander and Riddick, we talk smack all the time. Riddick said he and I need to fight and that he will handle me differently and not get hit with the overhand that bruised Evander. He tells me his father is from Nassau. I’m in good company with these guys. Evander is in fighting shape and remains amazing and inspirational to me.
Williams is still seeking to arrange with associates, a career-ending series of bouts in Grand Bahama. There are a lot of possibilities and his boxing pals could add a rather nice dimension to Williams’ proposed farewell engagements.
“We work out at the heavyweight factory gym in the Seminole Casino. I could get them to attend the show(s). Plus, Shannon Briggs or Lennox Lewis could be available. I know that the legendary trainer Panama Lewis would want to come. I see him on a regular basis,” informed Williams during a recent chat.
He definitely has what it takes to spice up the boxing scene in The Bahamas. The boxing community, in particular the Bahamas Boxing Federation, the Bahamas Boxing Commission and the Pan American Caribbean Boxing Organization, should indeed rally around Williams to bring some much-needed excitement to the national boxing landscape.
Williams has been one of the great sports ambassadors in Bahamian history. He’s done everything in the ring except win an authentic world title. He came very close on the night of January 22 in 2011. He had Holyfield cut and in trouble, when the former multiple world champion and his camp decided to petition the referee to officially stop the bout. The referee did and declared the World Boxing Federation title match a no contest.
Out of the window, went Williams’ best opportunity to become another Bahamian world boxing champion. He has held his share though, of lesser championships, inclusive of the World Boxing Organization’s China Zone, WBO Asia Pacific, World Boxing Foundation Intercontinental, WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation and the WBA Caribbean Federation titles.
Following a creditable amateur boxing career, he turned pro in June of 1997.
By: Fred Sturrup
