Williams can beat Tyson, says rival

Julius Francis has backed his fellow Londoner Danny Williams to spring a momentous heavyweight upset in Louisville on Friday night.

Francis – the only man to have fought both men – believes Williams has the quality to scupper Mike Tyson’s latest comeback attempt.

The former British champion suffered contrasting fortunes against the pair.

He beat Williams on points for the British title in 1999 then lasted just four minutes against Tyson in a five-knockdown fight the following year. Francis subsequently lost a rematch with Williams.

Francis said: “I believe Danny can go out there and cause an upset because he has absolutely nothing to lose.

“As much as I like and admire Tyson I think he is five or six years past his best.

“The years are catching up on Tyson and wear and tear is inevitable. And I believe Danny can rise to the occasion.”

Francis’ points win over Williams raised questions about the Brixton man’s mental state which continue to this day.

Williams has struggled to motivate himself for a series of sluggish British title defences and was then blown away in a step up in class to meet Sinan Samil Sam for the European crown.

But Francis believes Tyson is in for a shock if he is expecting another bandy-legged Briton who will crumble before the first bell goes.

“He is not going to be complacent against Tyson. He will have a game plan and if he can take the centre of the ring it could be interesting.”

Francis added: “You’ve got to go for Tyson and try and pressure him into doing something silly.

“You’ve got to remember that you’ve got nothing to lose and go out, be confident and even try to enjoy yourself.

“That’s what Buster Douglas did and we all know what happened there. There is no way that this is a mismatch like some people are trying to say.”