Interview with DaVarryl “Touch Of Sleep” Williamson

24 April, 2002 - By Ed Ludwig

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with rising Heavyweight contender DaVarryl Williamson. On May 25th Williamson (15-1 14 KO’s) will meet his toughest challenge to date, Dale Crowe (22-5-2 14 KO’s). The bout will be held at the Las Vegas Hilton in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be televised on Fox Sports Net. DaVarryl Williamson had an excellent amateur career. His record consists of 120 wins, 17 losses, 1 draw and 103 KO’s. He is a graduate of Northern Michigan University with a Masters Degree in Administrative Services and he holds a Bachelor Of Science Degree from Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. He has accomplished a lot in his thirty-three years and now he is aiming to become Heavyweight Champion Of The World. I would like to thank DaVarryl for his time and to his publicist Kevin Mullowney for making this interview possible.

Ed Ludwig: You began your professional career on June 30th of 2000. You have had sixteen fights to date. Are you trying to maintain a certain level of activity?

DaVarryl Williamson: The original date was supposed to be June 23rd and my opponent pulled out and it has happened a lot in my career. The current pace is a bit slow for me. Always telling my promoter that I want to fight.

EL: Fifteen victories and fourteen knockouts. Are you gaining valuable in ring experience without getting a lot of rounds?

DV: Yes, because we train for the duration of the rounds. I work very hard in the gym. In the future I will not get everyone out of there. Sometimes you get in the mode that if a fight is scheduled for six rounds it might not go that far.

EL: What inspired you to become a boxer?

DV: Nothing particularly inspired me. As a kid I followed boxing but I was a hot- shot football and basketball player. I was not ready to commit to boxing at the time. I haven’t looked back but I still miss football.

EL: Your victory over Andre Kopilov was a great fight. Was it tough or did it go as expected?

DV: It was tough at the beginning because of his strong powerful jab. Getting hit so much was not in my game plan but I adjusted and came out on top.

EL: Last year Razor Ruddock went ten gruelling rounds with Harold Sconiers and he won a split decision. You on the other hand, knocked him out in one round. Is this your best victory to date?

DV: I don’t think so. I don’t look at Harold Sconiers like other people do. I fought him three times as an amateur and I knocked him out each time.

EL: On May 25th you will be challenging Dale Crowe. He is well conditioned with good power and he has yet to be stopped in twenty-nine bouts. Are you prepared for a long battle if it goes into the later rounds?

DV: Absolutely. Like all fights I am prepared to go the distance. Even though I have a lot of knockouts I don’t train any less. I am always prepared.

EL: Dale Crowe will be the fourth fight for you this year. Are you concerned at all about over training or burn out?

DV: Not worried at all. I’m taking time off as we speak. I’ll be back in the gym on Tuesday April 30th. Then I will prepare for Mr. Crowe.

EL: With all the big Heavyweights today, do you feel that you can compete with them?

DV: Yes I can. The reason for that is that I can hit just as hard as any of the big guys. I have good movement and stamina. I see being big as a disadvantage. I can hit hard and move twice as fast. None of my opponents complained about the fights being stopped early.

EL: Besides Calvin Brock, you are one of a few University educated fighters in North America. Was education your top priority?

DV: I think education and sports go hand in hand with me. Education is so important and it was one of my top three accomplishments next to my children.

EL: Was it difficult to balance your studies and sports?

DV: Absolutely. When I started Boxing I was in grad school. Had to do the juggling act. One at a time something was on the back burner. My family was most important. I should be in the circus because I juggle so well.

EL: Who gave you the nickname “Touch Of Sleep”?

DV: I got that from Lawrence Clay-Bey.

EL: You have a lot of speed and power. Is there anything you want to improve in your repertoire?

DV: Defence maybe. I have had a lot of knockouts so I have not been hit much. My defence is getting better but not quite where I want it to be.

EL: What was it like sparring with Hasim Rahman and Chris Byrd?

DV: Oh man, beautiful. Those guys bring out the very best in you. Chris Byrd is so elusive and Rahman has the power. It helped me a lot when I sparred with them last year. It was an educational experience. I hope it was good for them as it was for me?

EL: How did you feel having Hasim Rahman cheering you on when you fought Andre Kopilov?

DV: Once again, I felt really good about Hasim. His rematch with Lennox Lewis was the next night. It meant everything to me having him there and it was a wonderful experience.

EL: Do you have a prediction for the Hasim Rahman vs. Evander Holyfield clash on June 1st?

DV: It’s going to be interesting. A pick ‘em fight. I don’t think Holyfield can knock Rahman out. Rahman could knock him out though. I don’t know which way it will go. We thought Holyfield was done before Tyson and he came back.

EL: Of the current crop of up and coming fighters, who do you see making a big impact over the next year or two?

DV: I would like to say Antuan Shazell or Andre Kopilov but they have not fought since I beat them. Joe Mesi will make a big splash and Dominick Guinn and Calvin Brock will make a big impact.

EL: If it takes two or three years to get a title shot will you continue with your career until then?

DV: I hope it doesn’t take that long. My staff and myself believe I will be ready by this time next year. It depends if I can get the shot. It’s hard to get fights for me now.

EL: Do you have any comments for your fans?

DV: I would like to tell my fans to tune in and watch me fight and to visit my website for the latest news. This weekend I have been invited to my Alma Mater in Wayne, Nebraska to be a keynote speaker. To my fans, keep watching and pray for me and I will fight my best for you.

For more information on DaVarryl Williamson please visit his website http://www.touchofsleep.com