28 years ago

Date: 29th June 1996

Title: vacant WBO World Heavyweight Title

Promoter: Don King Productions

Tv: Showtime Championship Boxing

Henry Akinwande
( 29 - 0 - 1 )
Weight: 232 lbs

Jeremy Williams
( 26 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 216½ lbs

On June 29, 1996, at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California, Henry Akinwande of London, England, faced off against Jeremy Williams of California for the vacant WBO Heavyweight Championship. The bout, which was originally scheduled to feature Alexander Zolkin as Akinwande's opponent, was changed at the last minute when the Russian fighter withdrew due to a cut above his eye.

Despite the short notice, Williams stepped up to the challenge, bringing an impressive record that included victories over former contenders Bert Cooper and Jesse Ferguson and a lightning-fast 10-second knockout of Arthur Weathers. However, there were doubts about whether the American could compete with the taller, more experienced Akinwande.

As the fight began, Williams attempted to neutralize Akinwande's reach advantage by closing the distance and preventing the Londoner from landing his punches. However, by the second round, it became clear that Akinwande was the superior boxer and Williams' disruptive tactics only served to delay the inevitable.

Just 43 seconds into the third round, Akinwande landed a thunderous right hand that sent Williams crashing to the canvas, flat on his back. The punch drew an audible reaction from the crowd, and it was clear that the fight was over. Referee Raul Caiz Sr. counted out Williams, giving Akinwande the victory by knockout.

With this win, Henry Akinwande became Britain's latest world champion, albeit holding the less-prestigious WBO belt. The fight, organised by renowned promoter Don King, was expected to be a turning point in Akinwande's career, with the promise of high-profile bouts against top contenders on the horizon.

Unfortunately for Jeremy Williams, this defeat began a decline in his boxing career. Despite amassing numerous wins against lesser opponents, he consistently fell short when facing tougher competition, such as Maurice Harris, Brian Nielsen, and Samuel Peter. Williams eventually retired in 2013 with a professional record of 43 wins, five losses, and one draw.

The judges' scorecards at the time of the stoppage were mixed. Jose Cobian and Eugenia Williams scored the bout 20-18 favouring Akinwande, while Dalby Shirley had it even at 19-19. However, the fight's outcome was never in doubt, as Akinwande's superior boxing skills and punching power proved too much for the game but outmatched Williams.