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Williams Inspired by Klitschko Win
October 06, 2005
Steve Galluzzo , Sports Editor
David Williams sat six rows from ringside for the Wladimir Klitschko-Samuel Peter heavyweight elimination fight last Saturday night in Atlantic City and he confesses he was living and dying with every punch. Williams served as Klitschko's roommate and cook during the boxer's six-week training camp in the Poconos, so he had a hard time watching Klitschko suffer three knock downs. However, the Ukrainian fighter got up off the canvas each time and went on to win a 12-round unanimous decision--the biggest win of his career so far.
"I have to admit I was a nervous wreck during the fight" said Williams, who flew home to the Palisades the following day to tend to his restaurant, Mogan's Cafe in the Highlands, and report to Palisades High as coach of the boys' varsity soccer team. "If there's one thing I learned from him [Klitschko], it's that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. He is the most self-motivated person I've ever met. He's taught me that you can never be satisfied--you can always achieve more."
In addition to being the camp's designated chaffeur in New York City for the pre-fight press conference, Williams also served as an interpreter of sorts, though he said Klitschko speaks very good English. "He was always asking me how to say certain things," Williams said. "He wanted to know what words to use and the context in which to use them. I became part of his inner circle and he's not just someone I worked for. He's become a real friend."
Williams said his biggest shock came not during the fight but half an hour after, when Klitschko, sitting with hands swollen, invited Williams into the locker room, winked, and said "We did it!" Indeed, conditioning and diet is what had won Klitschko the fight.
"You couldn't peel me off the ceiling, I was so high," Williams said. "He was including me in his accomplishment and that was a great feeling. His work ethic has really rubbed off on me and I'm going to take that same attitude to my business and to coaching."
Klitschko is in negotiations with Chris Byrd and Lamon Brewster for a fight in Germany in December. If that happens, he has already told Williams he wants him back in training camp. Until then, Williams is content to spend time with his family and get away from the humidity of the East Coast.
"I'm officially part of his team now and my family is totally supportive of me doing this," Williams said. "It was a great opportunity and I'm happy for Wladimir. He's got his confidence back and he's excited about boxing again. Knowing how hard this guy trains, there's no doubt in my mind he can win the heavyweight title."
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