River bids to defuse hot prospect Ammo

Matchroom poster for the international 10 rounder

IT is only hours before River Wilson-Bent attempts to make a global name for himself by beating – or even extending – an American once considered one of the world’s best amateurs.

The tall Coventry middle faces Houston’s Austin “Ammo” Williams over 10 rounds on an 02 Arena bill topped by Anthony Joshua.

It’s a big ask for the 29-year-old, but manager Jon Pegg should be congratulated for securing such a golden opportunity.

Rumours are Wilson-Bent has secured a big purse, probably a career best purse. Victory would be a shock, but defeat would not dent his ambitions of fighting for the English title. Just pushing Williams all the way would earn Wilson-Bent rave reviews.

Pull of the win and his stock soars overnight.

That’s the essence of good matchmaking: big risk, bigger reward.

Williams, aged 26, is one of the American young guns being groomed for stardom on Matchroom’s DAZN digital platform.

As an amateur, the Team USA member was a two-time western regions champ, two time Houston Golden Gloves champ and was named Gulf Association’s most outstanding boxer of 2017.

As a pro, he’s notched up 13 straight wins, nine inside distance, and there’s some solid pros on the list.

British contender Kieron Conway was outpointed over 10 rounds in Vegas. Last opponent, Dane Simon Madsen, is now 11-1: Williams took his unbeaten record on points.

The rationale is River Wilson-Bent is a good fighter, but Williams is better. The “Ammo” nickname may be misleading. He appears a solid puncher rather than a “lights out” banger.

Like so many high-profile US fighters, Williams can talk the talk, although some of his comments are a little off the wall.

This week – to promote the show – Ammo was videoed taking in London’s popular landmarks. At one point, he said: “I can really feel the energy from these trees and flowers.”

He also announced: “I’ve got the keys to the city, baby!”

In a more traditional setting 11 months ago, he told Matchroom Boxing: “My path is going pretty fast, I can’t complain.

“I feel like I have advanced a lot, I feel I’ve developed as a fighter so much. All the experiences are marinating in me right now.

“I have the formula to be the greatest fighter ever.”

In Wilson-Bent, he faces an opponent who has lost only two of 17 – and those came against very good fighters.

He’s exciting to watch, but has shown a tendency to cut in recent outings.

The 29-year-old lost a split decision to Tyler Denny with the vacant English title on the line. A previous clash between the pair ended in a technical draw after Wilson-Bent was badly cut.

Denny has gone on to defeat two unbeaten prospects since taking the belt – and those performances have added a shine to River’s setback.

Wilson-Bent’s second loss was much more conclusive. Thunderous punching Hamzah Sheeraz blew him away in two for the Commonwealth title.

That’s the result that stands out when assessing tonight’s contest.

River has told me he’s hit his best form, he’s matured as a boxer. He’ll need a career best performance to upset Ammo’s march towards major titles.