Austin ‘Ammo’ Williams takes another step towards his World title dreams as he takes on Etinosa Oliha in a final eliminator for the IBF World Middleweight title at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Dallas on Saturday July 19 – part of the undercard for the unification blockbuster between WBC and Ring Magazine Super-Flyweight champion Jesse ‘Bam’ Rodriguez and WBO ruler Phumelele Cafu, live worldwide on DAZN.
Williams (18-1 10 KOs) has moved up to IBF #6 after picking up back-to-back wins over Gian Garrido in Philadelphia in November before headlining in Florida and seeing off Patrice Volny in March.
‘Ammo’ Williams used those triumphs to bounce back from a brave loss to Britain’s Hamzah Sheeraz in Saudi Arabia a year ago and now faces the IBF #1 contender with a World title shot within reach.
Unbeaten Italian Oliha (21-0 9 KOs) has climbed seamlessly into the top spot with the IBF and the 6’1″ “El Chapo” now takes on the biggest fight of his seven-year career on his American debut.
The 26 year old former IBO middleweight champion operated exclusively on home turf in the first 16 fights of his career, but has won his last five fights on the spin in Germany to move into the lofty position he aims to protect in the Lone Star State.
“One year ago, I found myself in the darkest space of my life, losing beloved family members, followed by suffering my first defeat as a professional pugilist,” said Williams.
“Three fights later, I find myself in position to become the #1 Middleweight in the world once again.
“This time around, everything is aligned. I have proven to myself that I am a true champion, before I have the World Championship belt around my waste. July 19 we are bringing it back to my roots, Texas, where it all began. Relentless, unwavering, educated pressure will be exerted on my opponent until I completely break him, sending him back to Italy a changed man. This fight will not go the distance,” Williams promised.
“I’m very motivated and looking forward to July 19,” said Oliha. “Austin Williams is the last step before a World title shot. I am very confident that I will take this chance.”
“I’m thrilled to add more brilliant fights added to what promises to be a massive night of action in Frisco,” said Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn. “Ammo has bounced back brilliantly to get himself into this position, and this is now the biggest night of his career against the very dangerous Oliha – with the winner lining up a shot at World title glory.
“With pound-for-pound star Bam in another unification battle, Diego Pacheco looking to underline his World title credentials and Team USA’s Olympic bronze medal man Omari Jones back in action, July 19 will be a memorable night.”
