BOXING: HEAVYWEIGHT prospect Lewis Williams is hoping to give Leamington a ‘show to remember’ as he prepares for what could be his final hometown fight.
The Coventry University student will go toe-to-toe with Natty Nywenya, an opponent he’s faced twice previously, on Saturday night at Leamington’s Real Tennis Centre in front of hundreds of boxing fans.
After controversially losing out to ‘Natty’ in the ABA Championships, Williams put the wrong right to defeat Nywenya in Haringey Cup at London’s Alexandra Palace.
Williams, who has been balancing training with his Team GB camps and a new university degree, admitted he’s sad that Saturday could be his final fight in his hometown.
But at the same time he wants to thank his sponsors and supporters by registering another win.
Speaking to The Observer, Williams said: “Natty is ranked in the top five in the country. But I believe I can beat him.
“He’s always on the back foot. He’s smart and tricky to deal with. I’ve beat him before, I can do it again.”
Time management has proved crucial for Williams, especially since enrolling onto a mechanical engineering course at Coventry University.
The Whitnash ace wakes up before sunrise and aims to make use of ‘every hour of the day’ in order to reach his current long-term goal – to box at the Olympic Games.
He added: “University is making training hard. But I’m in a routine, and I don’t notice it.
“I’ll train two hours everyday in Clearys, I’m at university five times a week, and do strength work at my local gym.
“I don’t drink. And that helps.
“While other people my age are recovering from a hangover, I’ll be doing everything I can to improve.”
A busy schedule it may sound, but Williams believes his training with Team GB in Sheffield has worked wonders on his fitness and general health.
“I’ve noticed the difference since training in Sheffield started,” said Williams.
“They’ve got me onto nutritional advice to avoid injuries, wrapping my hands up correct – they’ve handed me wicked knowledge.”
Lewis’ progress even saw him spar heavyweight champion of the world Anthony Joshua.
“I was star struck,” said Williams.
“To spar with AJ was incredible. To feel his punches was different. It’s crazy how much weight like his can do.
“We did some technical sparring. He’s got such a build to him.
“I enjoy training Sheffield but I still train at Clearys everyday.
“My skills started here, and that’s where I like to keep them.”
