King Arthur hopes to nab USBA crown

Dean Juipe

Thursday, March 21, 2002 | 10:22 a.m.

The throne, or at least the United States Boxing Association's portion of the cruiserweight throne, is open and "King" Arthur Williams would like to occupy it.

Williams, a former International Boxing Federation champion at 195 pounds, will take on fellow Las Vegan Kelvin Davis with the vacant USBA title at stake in the main event of a Saturday card at the Aladdin.

For Williams, the title shot comes none too soon. He's 37 years old and could, in theory, parlay the USBA crown into a world title fight later this year.

"I can't afford to lose," he said this week before working out at Nevada Partners. "I'm on a mission and this is my chance to get another world-title fight."

Williams, who defeated Imamu Mayfield for the IBF championship in 1998 and then lost the belt to Vissiliy Jirov a year later, is 34-6-1.

Davis, who had been fighting exclusively as a heavyweight prior to this, is 16-0-1. A native of Mississippi, he does have 12 knockouts to his credit while fighting between 199 and 217 pounds.

But in his most recent fight, last September in Reno with journeyman David Vedder, Davis was held to a disappointing six-round draw. Now 23 years old, Davis was once recruited as a wrestler by the University of Arizona and as a football player by UNLV and Sacramento City College.

One thing about it, Davis and Williams are not unfamiliar with each other.

"I know the guy and he's kind of a friend," Williams said, although a third party -- gym operator Richard Steele -- insisted that they train at different hours this week after a member of Davis' support team shot a menacing look at one of Williams' handlers.

"He's fought on a couple of my undercards, so I've seen him," Williams said. "I just think he's making a mistake fighting me. Maybe he's kind of taking me lightly and underestimating me.

"He hasn't been in the ring with the type of fighters that I have, so I think he's looking at his first defeat."

While Williams is a decent puncher, Davis comes in with a reputation as a big -- if sometimes reluctant -- hitter and will try to force his 5-foot-9 frame into Williams' chest. Therein lies the strategic key: Can Williams keep Davis at arm's length?

"Davis is the better short puncher and Arthur is the better long puncher," said trainer Eddie Mustafa Muhammad. "Davis will come in low and straight ahead, so it's going to be an interesting fight.

"But Arthur can crack and I don't think Davis has heavyweight power. It's up to Arthur, but I think if he listens to my advice he'll wear the other guy down."

Promoter Johnny McClain sees it similarly.

"Davis is small and close to the ground and like a tank," he said. "Arthur will have to be sharp to beat him because Davis can hurt you with either hand, and he might be a better puncher than Arthur.

"But I know he's not as skilled and he's never fought anyone of this caliber, so it's a perfect opportunity for all of us to see if Arthur still has it or whether he's on the last leg of his career.

"One thing about it, I'm promoting Arthur but not babying him. We'll see what he's got left."

Williams likens Davis to three men he has already defeated: Dwight Qawi (in 1992), Jeff Lampkin (in '93) and John Kiser (in '95). "I know how to handle these kinds of guys," he said.

The stakes are certainly sufficient for both men to give it their all.

"I know he's going to keep coming and winging overhand rights," Williams said. "I've got to keep a jab on him and keep him outside.

"I'm not going to fight his style. I'm going to be smart and not fall into a trap or fight to his game plan.

"I think he's misjudged my power and I think I'll be his worst nightmare."