Austin “Ammo” Williams will take his biggest step yet towards a world title opportunity on July 19 when he faces Etinosa Oliha in an IBF middleweight title eliminator at the Ford Center in Dallas, Texas.
The 12-round bout will be part of the Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez vs. Phumelele Cafu WBC junior bantamweight title fight, which will air live on DAZN.
Williams, 18-1 (10 KOs), of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida has won two straight since his lone defeat, an eleventh round stoppage to Hamzah Sheeraz last June in Saudi Arabia. A win over Oliha, 21-0 (9 KOs), of Asti, Italy would put him at the doorstep of a title opportunity with IBF/WBO middleweight titleholder Janibek Alimkhanuly.
“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.”
The 26-year-old Oliha will be making his United States debut after a career fought exclusively in Italy and Germany.
“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.”
Also announced for the card, Arturo Cardenas, 16-0-1 (9 KOs), will step down in weight to bantamweight to face fellow unbeaten contender Dominique “Dimes” Crowder with WBC and WBA regional belts at stake.
Cardenas of Sahuayo de Morelos, Mexico last fought in April, stopping Edgar Joe Cortes in eight rounds. Crowder, 18-0 (11 KOs), of Baltimore, Maryland last fought in November, knocking out former title challenger Duke Micah in one round.
Also announced for the card, unbeaten super middleweight Diego Pacheco will face Trevor McCumby, while Olympic bronze medalist Omari Jones will fight in his third pro bout against Alfredo Blanco.