The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER spending the past month in training, Rashield Williams is looking forward to stepping into the ring for his first professional fight in the Philippines on Saturday night.

Williams, whose opponent hails from the Philippines, said he’s looking forward to a good Christmas present for himself as he tries to improve on his current 1-1 win-loss record in the welterweight division.

“Everything’s been going good,” said Williams about his training session. “I’m just waiting to get into the ring and get this over with in a hurry. I’m trying to stop whoever comes in the front of me.”

The 30-year-old Williams said he’s not sure who his opponent is, but his coach Norman Wilson has prepared him to fight any style that he will end up facing in the ring.

“We have been working very hard,” Williams said of his training. “We have been working on different styles so rather than just square up and face my opponent, I will be ready to counter-punch and fight.”

Williams hasn’t fought since March 22 when he lost his first fight to Javune James at the Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort in Maimi, Florida.

He made a successful debut on February 9 with a technical knockout over Carlos Monroy at the Restaurant Los Olvidados, Playa del Carmen.

“I’m going to be over here for the next year training and fighting, so I really want to get a good start in this fight,” Williams said. “It will also be a good Christmas present for me since I won’t be home for the holidays.”

Williams, however, said he’s a lot more cautious about being in the Philippines because of the number of earthquakes that take place.

Fortunately for him, he hasn’t experienced any of the shakings of the surfaces that he’s only heard or seen on television.

“It gets scary just thinking about it,” said Williams about the quakes that have caused many deaths.

“I’m just glad to be here, but I’m not taking anything for granted, not even my opponent in the ring.”

Williams said he wants to make an impression in the Philippines because there are a number of fighters, who are looking to get ahead in the sport and he doesn’t want his opponent to use him in that regard.

His fight is scheduled for four rounds.