Lenny Daws returns to the York Hall tonight to defend his British title against undefeated challenger Steve Williams, live in front of the Sky Sports team from 10pm.
Since making his professional debut back in 2003 with a 2nd round TKO win over Danny Gwilym, London based light-welterweight, Lightening Lenny Daws sailed through the rankings thanks to a number of solid under card performances. By January 2006, the well schooled 5ft 10inch orthodox boasted a perfect 12 fight record and there was no hint of an unlucky 13 as he halted Colin Lynes in 9 rounds to collect his first piece of silverware, a Southern Area gong. It looked like 2006 would be the Morden man’s year as, only four months later, he made a serious step up in class to outpoint Nigel Wright, this time getting his hands on the vacant British title at the first time of asking.
The good times rarely last forever though and in only his first defence, Daws dropped his beloved title thanks to a split decision defeat at the hands of Scotland’s Barry Morrison. Quitting was never the 31 year olds game however and he returned to the ring only four months later to embark on a career defining 8 fight undefeated run which would see him gain revenge courtesy of a 10th round KO win over Morrison in their September rematch, recapturing his old crown in the process.
Despite his timely return to form, tonight's champion was disappointing to say the least when sharing a draw with Jason Cook in his last appearance but bookies have jotted that down in their memo pad as a slight hiccup with Bet365 making him a respectable 4/6 favourite.
Opponent Steve Williams has fast become a victim of his own success in the sense that he now finds himself rated amongst the top ten fighters in the country and facing the British champion in only his 10th professional outing.
The 5ft 8inch orthodox may only be 26 years old but he makes the journey to East London fully confident that he can blow the fragile domestic scene wide open. Currently ranked 9th in the UK, Williams recorded a career best in his last when out pointing hotly tipped Londoner Michael Grant to clinch the English strap. Grant was well thought of in the big smoke before entering December’s Prizefighter but despite this talent being comprehensively beaten by Williams, Sporting Bet go a standout 7/5 that the title will change hands.
Williams has only been beyond 8 rounds on one occasion and has never travelled the championship distance, in fact he has only boxed a total of 49 paid rounds to date meaning this challenge could have come just a little too early in his career. Daws on the other hand has been doing the circuit for a few years now and will want to finally record a successful defence of his British title in front of his home fans, especially the ones who had to sit through the horror show of his last attempt. Jason Cook is a hardy boy however and for that reason I think odds compilers have been a tad harsh on the champion in making him as big as 4/6 against an untested fighter.
Williams should work the judges on this one and leave with his reputation intact so fans of slightly larger prices may fancy a nibble on the 13/8 (Sporting Bet) about a successful defence by way of a points decision.
