New pro Williams is itching to make a statement on top bill

Blaine Williams...fights next month. Pic: Manjit Narotra/BCB Promotions

NEW pro Blaine Williams is looking to make a statement when he boxes in Wolverhampton next month, writes PAUL WEBB.

The light-welter has his second outing on October 25 at the Astoria as part of BCB Promotions’ blockbuster “The Takeover” show.

 Blaine, from Selly Oak, made his professional debut in July at  Dudley Town Hall and took every round from experienced Colombian Santiago Garces, scoring a 40-36 landslide. It was a composed and impressive showing from the 29-year-old.

 "Building up to it, I felt relaxed, I felt calm and comfortable,” said Williams. “There weren’t any nerves, I knew that I wanted to be there and make a statement. After the fight, you get the pats on the back, but then it was about looking at how I can improve and learning when to apply pressure, when to slow things down, when to speed up.”

 Blaine’s debut was long awaited, as the familiar stories of medical delays and fight date availability meant a long camp and uncertainty over whether he would be able to box.

Fight number two has come round far sooner, which has been a big help to Williams’ preparation.

 He said: “The turnaround time for this fight is a lot quicker than my debut, as we had to wait on being cleared to box and it was a long process. It’s great having a date where I know there are no complications outside the ring. I can just focus on training, and it’s been the best start to the camp possible.”

Williams is coached at Dudley’s Priory Park ABC but he’s shown a willingness to travel for training and sparring opportunities. He’s recently sparred a number of rounds with unbeaten prospect Zach Evans at  Wolverhampton Boxing Club.

 “We get along well, me and Zach, and the sparring has been great,” Blaine said. “I treat everything I’m doing in the sport like a professional now. Potentially any fight could be the hardest one of your life, so getting in rounds with quality boxers like Zach is an important part of that preparation.

 Unlike his debut which came on a four-fight card, next month’s show will see Williams share the bill with two Midlands champions as well as 11 other boxers, all looking to put on an eye-catching performance.

 He added: “This is another stepping stone in my career. There is a bit of pressure to put on a good show that will stand out with so many good boxers on the card, but I love that challenge and, really, I’m just fully focused on myself.”

 *Tickets are available now, priced at £40 standard and £80 VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.