Los Angeles, CA (March 11, 2008) – Anybody who thinks that veteran boxer Rubin “Mr. Hollywood” Williams will be the slightest bit intimidated when he takes on Bay Area and U.S. Olympic hero and undefeated super middleweight Andre Ward in front of a packed house of
Ward’s loyal fans at San Jose’s HP Pavilion on Thursday night, March 20, had better think
again. There is no lack on confidence in the 31-year old Detroit native, who is scheduled to meet the 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist seven years his junior, in the scheduled 10-round main event of the 2008 “American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank” series opener, presented by
Goossen Tutor Promotions and HP Pavilion and televised on FSN’s “Best Damn Fight Night
Period” on a delayed basis (8-10 PM local and 11 PM - 1 AM local, Thursday, March 27).
“I’m coming to fight,” insists Williams (29-3, 16 KOs). “Stylistically I tend to box with my jab
and then go for the bombs, but there will be no boxing that night. I am coming to knock Andre
Ward out!”
Williams, who is in his ninth year as a pro, feels that he will benefit from the higher level of competition he has fought – including a world title challenge loss to then-IBF super
middleweight champion Jeff Lacy three years ago, a draw with former top world contender
Antwun Echols last year and a decision loss following a 14-month layoff to current world
contender Allan Green two months ago.
“I’ve got a lot of ring savvy and experience,” Williams offered. “I think I have the best jab in the business. I think I have a very sneaky right hand that’s to be really looked out for. I haven’t really watched Andre that much. What I did see makes me believe its not going to the scorecards. I think he is biting off more than he can chew right now.
“Definitely I am his toughest challenge by far. It’s going to be a real good step up for Andre taking this fight. I’m fighting him at his home, but it really doesn’t matter to me because I am a fighter. I’m an old school kind of dude. You know I’ll fight anywhere. It doesn’t matter to me. On the 20th we’ll see what happens.”
Many inside observers – including Ward’s camp and promoter -- feel that Williams will indeed be the toughest opponent to date for their undefeated future world title hopeful (14-0, 9 KOs).
“We’ve said since Andre’s first fight, that each one was going to be test and with a victory, one that keeps elevating Andre to a different level,” said promoter Dan Goossen. “This is the next step for him, and it’s a big one. Anyone that saw the Lacy-Williams fight would see how tough of a fight he gave to the champion. Up until the end it was a back-and-forth slugfest. A Ward victory here, and he immediately jumps to the head of the class of the top, young super middleweights in the world.
Since turning pro in December 2004, Ward’s legions of fans have come to expect an improved performance culminating in victory each time out. Williams has other ideas as to what they can expect to see in their upcoming confrontation.
“They can expect ‘Hollywood’ to bring the stars out. And Andre’s going to see the stars.”
Individual tickets, starting at $25, to the March 20 edition of “American Metal & Iron Fight Night at the Tank” are on sale at the HP Pavilion Ticket Office, Ticketmaster Ticket Centers located in Wherehouse Music stores, Tower Records and Ritmo Latino locations throughout the Bay Area; online at ticketmaster.com; or charge by phone at (408) 998-TIXS, (415) 421-TIXS or (510) 625-TIXS. Doors open at 6:30 pm. First bout at 7:30 pm.
