DaVarryl Williamson: Is This His Last Shot For Redemption?

Come Halloween night the ghosts and ghouls will be out prowling around, but in Las Vegas a heavyweight fight of little significance to the outside world will be taking place.

In a special WBC elimination bout, WBC No. 9 DaVarryl Williamson (26-5, 22 KO) meets WBC No. 3 Ray Austin (27-4-4, 17 KOs) for the United State National Boxing Championship (USNBC); but more importantly the winner will be positioned for another title shot, and at 41 years-old it's likely this will be Williamson's last shot.

DaVarryl "Touch of Sleep" Williamson has all the credentials one would expect from a heavyweight contender. An accomplished amateur (120-17-1, 103 KOs), a slot as first alternate on the 1996 Olympic Team, a devastating right hand, a ton of charisma, and at 6'4", 225 lbs he has the size.

Unfortunately, Williamson has not always performed on the big stage.

First there was the showdown vs. "Baby" Joe Mesi, a highly anticipated fight between two up-and-comers. Williamson, a notorious slow starter was stopped in the first round.

His next trip to the spotlight was in October 2004 when he squared off against current Heavyweight kingpin, Vladimir Klitschko. An accidental headbutt forced a referee stoppage and though Williamson had dropped Klitschko earlier in the fight, two of the three judges felt Klitschko had barely eeked out a decision.

A year later, Williamson had earned his first shot at a title. Across the ring stood Chris Byrd, the IBF Heavyweight Champion, who was as technically savvy a boxer as you will find, but also a notoriously boring fighter.

Twelve rounds later, Byrd left with his title and most boxing experts had dubbed the fight as the most boring championship fight in history.

Two long years later, Williamson had again worked his way back into contention and was one win away from another title shot.

Again, it was not too be.

Though Williamson was leading on the scorecards in an entertaining scrap vs. Kali Meehan, one sloppy second of work led to Williamson demise. A Hail-Mary overhand right from Meehan careened off Williamson's left temple, and though Williamson rose on unsteady legs, the ringside doctor felt Williamson was not fit to continue.

Here we are, another two years gone by and Williamson has once again worked his way into position where a win versus Austin will position him for another world title shot. All the sweat and blood that goes into training can make a fighter physically ready for the bout, but hopefully the mental aspect of the fight is also fit and ready.

Heading into his Halloween showdown with Ray Austin, its impossible to argue that this is Williamson's last chance. Hopefully on this Halloween night, Williamson will be able to exorcise his demons.

www.tosboxing.com