The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER almost a year of inactivity, Sherman ‘The Tank’ Williams returned to the ring in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, picking up a unanimous victory over American Jamal Woods on Saturday night.

Coming off a unanimous loss to Christian Hammer in his last fight in Galati, Romania, on August 28, 2015, the 43-year-old Williams shook off the cobwebs and floored the 33-year-old Woods.

After that, the six-foot, 4-inch fighter from Arkansas avoided going inside for a brawl as the 5-11 Grand Bahamian stayed in control of the fight.

“It was good. It was good to be back in the ring. Since my last fight in August, I remained in the gym training, but I had a couple of issues with my shoulder, so it was good to get back in the ring and come out with the victory,” Williams told The Tribune. “I was very pleased with the performance.

“I felt good. Jamal Woods is a very rugged and durable opponent. He put up a good fight. He definitely came to fight.”

With the victory, Williams improved his win-loss-draw record to 37-15-2. The journeyman Woods fell to 8-25-5 as he suffered his fourth defeat in his last six matches, which included two draws, dating back to November 19, 2015. His last match was a draw against Brandon Spencer on February 2.

In taking the fight within a week’s notice, Williams said he got into the ring and did what he had to do.

“I came out throwing punches on punches and I established the jab and I got on the inside and I caught him with a few good body shots when he had his hands down,” Williams said. “In the second round, I was able to land a ‘conch punch’ and after I dropped him at that point, he was in a defensive move.

“I went on to win every round from there and I won 60-54 on all three judges cards.”

On June 25, Williams will be back in the ring in Elizabeth City where he will be fighting in the main event. His opponent has not yet been announced.

“I’m going to get right back in the gym training before this week is out,” Williams said. “I’m going to get ready for that. I’m hoping that I can come out with another victory so that I can continue my quest to eventually fight for a world title. I’m just glad to be fighting in the ring again.”