December, 11th. Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas

This weekend , Danny " The Legend Killer "Williams will try to achieve, what few have done , in the past, by going to America, and bringing a world title belt back to Britain. Williams will be a huge underdog in his attempt, but dont mention that to Danny or his long time trainer, Jim Mc Donnell. I caught up with Jim , and Danny just before they left for training camp and discussed the Tyson win, and there challenge for the WBC heavyweight title, against the man mountain, Vitali " Dr Ironfist" Klitschko.

GT: Jim, lets put into perspective, the Tyson win.- what do you say about "Iron Mike" hurting his knee in the first, and again in the second round, and do you think it affected him in the fight?

JM: Gary, we focused and trained for Tyson to come out banging, and in training for the fight. We had the sparring partners going to try and knock Danny out every round. Danny trained hard and the plan was to box him with the jab, then get him later on in the fight. Danny always thought he could win the fight whatever happened .

GT: Jim- I have seen Danny fight in the past, and he seemed lazy, and un motivated. I know you are one of the best trainers and conditioners in the sport, so can you tell me why Danny seemed to be in this frame of mind?

JM: Danny did have trouble in his fights - Because he was winning all his fights, he didnt think he was going anywhere. Since 95, he won all his fights, and he wanted , and was promised big fights but they never came. the Mark Potter fight changed him. he has always had the skills, and all he needed was to keep going. This is his chance and he will do whatever is needed to win.

GT: Speaking about the Potter fight, Danny showed everyone in Britain how strong and couragious he is. I wonder if Tysons people or klitschko's people have watched that tape?

JM: [ NO ANSWER, JUST SMILES]

GT: what is the plan of attack, fighting the 6'8 Klitschko?

JM: Everyone knows we must get inside his jab. Danny is the fittest he has ever been, and by the end of our training, he will be the fittest boxer in the world, so he is going to throw a lot of punches .

GT: Jim, thanks for your time, and good luck come December.

GT: Danny, congratulations on your fantastic win over Tyson. - did you always think you could beat him?

DW: Thank you, yes I knew I made a lot of mistakes in the first couple of rounds, but I felt good and I thought I could go to war with him.

GT: You certainly did that.- you took his best shots, and at one point it looked like you were gone. obviously you were hurt. can you remember it?

DW: No, but I remember him hurting me at some point and I just hung on.

GT: A lot of the press are saying that Tyson was shot.- I think Tyson can still be heavyweight champion, and I also thought he was looking tremendous when he fought you. you know he hurt his knee in the first round. [ 28 seconds to go of the round] and then again in the second. up until the second injury, he was punching like the old Tyson, and still you took his best punches and came back. what do you say to these people.?

DW: What can I say. Tyson was probably only 40% of what he was, but like you said, he could still be world champion even now. his 40% is like other heavyweights 100%, and I took his best punches and he couldnt take mine.

GT: Danny, good luck with the big fight.

Author Gary Todd (left) with Danny Williams trainer Jim McDonnell
© Gary Todd 2004