Dannie Williams Wants A Shot At Hank Lundy
Images by Tom Hill Photos
by Gautham Nagesh
St. Louis knockout artist “Dangerous” Dannie Williams wants a crack at rising Philly lightweight “Hammerin” Hank Lundy in early 2012. According to Rumble Time Promotions, which handles Williams along with Lou DiBella, the matchup has been tentatively scheduled for March assuming Lundy accepts the challenge.
“I’m looking forward to this fight,” said the 27-year-old Williams (20-1, 16 KOs). “It’s a great opportunity for me. Lundy’s a good fighter who comes to fight. I like him as a fighter, I really do, but he’s been knocked out and dropped a few times.”
The NABF has ordered a purse bid for January 4 with a 60-40 split in favor of Lundy, but Hank is reportedly eyeing a world title shot of his own against the likes of Antonio DeMarco or Miguel Vazquez. Lundy (21-1-1, 11 KOs) would also doubtless relish a chance to avenge his only career loss against heavy-handed contender John Molina. In two fights on ESPN last year Lundy failed to impress in April against Venezuela’s Patrick Lopez but got off the mat to stop veteran David Diaz in August with a picture-perfect left hand.
Williams will get enjoy the basic cable spotlight himself as part of the Friday Night Fights season opener against Mexico’s Fernando Trejo (33-17-6, 19 KOs) on January 6th in Key West. He impressed in his sole appearance on the show last year, crushing Antonio Cervantes with a right hand in the 4th round and earning himself a spot on Sportscenter.
“I’m a knockout puncher with 16 KOs in my 20 wins. I’m not talking about TKOs when the ref stops the fight. The refs don’t even start counting because they know my opponent is hurt,” Williams boasted.
“I know Lundy’s going to try and use his speed, but I can box with him, and I hit extra hard. I hurt guys I fight. Lundy can talk all he wants but that’s going to happen to him, too.”
Rumble Star Promotions President Steve Smith was equally confident his man would overpower Lundy, considered one of Philly’s brighter prospects at the moment. The winner would likely be in line to enter the top ten at 135 lbs.
“The winner of this fight should be fighting for a world title by the end of 2012,” Smith said. “I know the hardest puncher in the 135-pound division is ‘Dangerous Dannie.’ If Lundy thought (John) Molina could punch, just wait until he feels the power in both of Williams’ hands. He won’t be able to get up like he did against Molina.”
Lundy has shown a suspect chin but plenty of resilience; with his combination of athleticism and boxing ability he can’t be overlooked by any lightweight. But Williams’ trainer Jack Loew is less than impressed said as much, likely hoping to goad Lundy into accepting Dannie’s challenge rather than relinquishing his NABF trinket.
“I think Hank Lundy is totally overrated. He’s been matched very carefully; they’ve done a great job with him,” Loew said. “He’s a good fighter with some skills, but, if you fight somebody like Dannie Williams, you better not have a weak chin like Lundy’s. Everybody saw what happened when he stepped-up against Molina. Diaz hurt him and he’s not even much of a puncher.”