River gets huge bout against top US name

COVENTRY’S River Wilson-Bent has bagged a massive fight on next month’s Anthony Joshua mega bill.

The tall middleweight faces former star American amateur Austin “Ammo” Williams, now 13-0 as a pro.

They clash over 10 rounds at London’s 02 Arena on April 1, with Joshua headlining against Jermaine Franklin.

The bill will also feature Tamworth’s Louis Fielding against the son of Ricky Hatton, Campbell.

The Williams fight is a “high-risk but potentially very high reward” encounter for Wilson-Bent who is hungry to get in the big time.

Jon Pegg should be applauded for clinching the deal.

Things were going swimmingly for River, the rise to the top seemed relentless – then Tyler Denny stemmed the surge to stardom by beating the Sky Blue favourite for the English title.

Tyler’s achievements since that split decision victory have added gloss to River’s setback.

His only other loss was decisive.  River was halted in two rounds by thunderous punching Hamzah Sheeraz.

Now he has the chance to mix it with another big name. And Texan Austin Williams, guided by Matchroom, appears poised to be a very big name.

Williams…one of world’s top amateurs

The 26-year-old was considered the world’s best at his weight as an amateur.

“Ammo” was a two-time USA Boxing Western Regional Champion, a two-time Houston Golden Gloves Champion and named Gulf Association’s Most Outstanding Boxer in 2017.

As a pro he’s won 13 on the spin, nine by stoppage.

He showed his worth last September by outpointing British title contender Kieron Conway for the WBA international belt. Conway was dropped in the ninth.

In an interview with this writer, River spoke of the frustrating search for suitable opponents. His prayers have now been answered.

He said: “It’s crazy, but no one wants to fight. Last time, we had a Romanian southpaw who had won 22, lost two and he pulled out.

“All I can do is keep doing what I have to do in the gym.

“We’ve been told Tyler will vacate the English title and good luck to him, he deserves to fight for the British.

“I’m the logical choice to fight for the vacant title. Tyler beat me narrowly. I had a point taken off and still thought I’d got it by a couple of rounds.

“Look at the unbeaten lads he’s boxed since me, look what he’s done to them. He easily outpointed them and could’ve stopped them.”

There’s logic in Wilson-Bent’s mind-set: he gave Denny two hard fights, two men tipped for the top were, frankly, trounced by the Rowley Regis champ.

“The Sheeraz fight, we had four weeks notice for it,” said River. “We knew it was a dangerous fight, but I was confident and ready to go.”

Sheeraz, unbeaten in 17, does look something special and is destined for world class.

Wilson-Bent believes he’s emerged a more complete fighter from the defeats.

“I was always the guy who had to be the fastest, it was always a rush. Now I’m more relaxed. I’m older and wiser.”