Danny's £5m King deal

13 April 2012

Danny Williams could become world heavyweight champion next year after signing for controversial promoter Don King.

Williams, 28, rejected an offer to stay with Britain's Frank Warren and joined his American rival in a deal worth up to £5 million.

The Brixton-based boxer has pledged to defend his British crown before fighting on the undercard of the John Ruiz-Evander Holyfield WBA world title clash in China on 24 November.

He has been promised he will fight the victor of that fight next year.

Williams' decision ends weeks of deliberation after he decided to reject Warren's offer of fighting American veteran Tim Witherspoon - conqueror of Frank Bruno in 1986 - on the bill of Mike Tyson's next outing on 13 October.

And Williams admits the chance to join Olympic hero Audley Harrison and another British heavyweight rival, Herbie Hide, in having his fights screened on the BBC was a crucial persuading factor. He said: "Don is the biggest and most powerful promoter in the world, who can offer me more world title fights than anyone.

"He has offered me a chance at one of his champions and given me an opportunity to defend my British title and keep it outright . . . which is very important to me.

"I will defend my British title and then fight in a 10-rounder in China on 24 November. King has given me options. I can have any of his champions, like Hasim Rahman, who fights Lennox Lewis in November.

"These promoters like to pitch both their fighters against each other. And the opportunity of going with the BBC was another reason because I have the chance of being seen on TV in Britain and America."

Williams had been associated with Warren from his professional debut until his last fight - a victory over fellow British heavyweight Julius Francis.

And last month the promoter publicly announced they had agreed an extended contract. But Williams began negotiations with King last week in London and admits parting company with Warren was a difficult decision to make.

He added: "It was probably the hardest decision I've taken in my life. I like Frank, but I have only got one crack at this and I had to make the best decision for my career."

Williams will go on holiday with his wife and young child before resuming training for his British title defence against either Mike Holden or Keith Long in October.

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