Interviews
Former XFO Amateur Flyweight Champ David Williams excited for first outdoor bout in second pro fight
Aug 15, 2015 - 3:25:47 PM Former XFO Amateur Flyweight Champ David Williams excited for first outdoor bout in second pro fight

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By: Brad Walker, MMATorch Columnist

Team Curran flyweight David Williams, a former amateur flyweight champion in XFO, makes his second professional appearance tonight at XFO Outdoor War 11, and I had a chance to speak to him this week before the bout. Williams amassed a record of 9 wins against 1 loss on the amateur circuit, including a win via Peruvian neck tie prior to going pro. He won his first pro fight via submission within two minutes, and looks to make his second fight as a pro every bit as successful.

Brad Walker: First David, thanks for taking the time to talk to me during your weight cut and the final days of preparation before your fight on Saturday. Let's get into it; you're a pro fighter now after an astonishingly great amateur career how different does it feel to be pro as opposed to amateur?

David Williams: Everything is the similar, except you get compensated for the contest. The opponents are a little tougher, the rounds are a little longer, but there are not many significant differences.

Walker: This is your second pro fight, and it comes on Illinois' largest and most prestigious card; how does that feel - and does it add pressure for you?

Williams: I don't feel any additional pressure, I've fought in front of nearly 3,000 on prior XFOs. Tomorrow is going to be a great turnout and it should be similar to shows I've competed on previously. I was concerned more so about inclement weather forcing the show to be canceled, since it is outdoors.

Walker: You've had a large gap between fights as a pro - are you at all worried about rust going into the cage?

Williams: I'm not, I have been active throughout the year gap between fights, and have worked hard to get where I need to be. My opponent actually has more down time between fights than I do!

Walker: With your record you have been spoken about as one of Illinois' top flyweights; where do you go from here if you win on Saturday at Outdoor War?

Williams: I'm going back to my office on Monday to put in some work, then I will speak with my manager, my brother, my coaches, and we will talk over some options for September. Hopefully I will have an announcement to make closer towards the end of next week!

Walker: You are one of the busiest people I know between work, school, and training; do you ever worry about losing focus going into a fight?

Williams: No not at all, I can't lose focus on anything I'm doing throughout the day or it will spill over to some other aspect. A large portion of my job is effectively planning things out to ensure the business I work for is able to operate day to day. This has spilled over to my personal life, and has helped me juggle everything with training. Eight more weeks to go for school!

Walker: Can you talk about the feeling of fighting at a card like outdoor war?

Williams: I can't, I have never fought at Outdoor War. I have helped corner my brother and have attended every Outdoor War since 2009, before I was even old enough to fight. It is one of the most exciting shows put on in the Midwest to attend. It is tougher to fight on since it is outdoors (Note: set to be 90 degrees during the event), but I am looking forward to meeting that challenge and seeing my opponent struggle through the harsh weather.

Walker: Last question; how is your fight going to end? Give me a prediction.

Williams: I've imagined hundreds of ways this fight could end. I have seen my opponent fight and I know he hates giving up, that will make for a very exciting contest. I have been in this weight class for years, and he is just now trying to come down in weight. My only prediction pertaining to this is that he moves back up to bantamweight following the contest.

Walker: Thanks for your time Dave, if you want to thank anyone or give some shout outs go ahead and do that

Williams: Shout out to my sponsors - TSPW properties, Jr ,Pump Sales and Services, Your Graphix Inc, Fighter's Stable, and everyone at the Shark Club!

Walker: Good luck, and I'll see you Saturday!

Williams: Thanks!