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Froch: Williams test

I am definitely not coming here to make up the numbers. I am coming here to knock out Carl Froch.

Rubin Williams
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Former world title challenger Rubin Williams inisists he "will not be making up the numbers" when he faces Carl Froch at the Nottingham Arena on Saturday night.

The 32-year-old American is determined to make the most of his late chance to return to the top level after stepping in to face Froch after initial opponent Denis Inkin withdrew for a second time due to injury, then Colombian fighter Alejandro Berrio reneged on an earlier commitment to fight.

Williams, who has won 29 of his 34 fights but lost his last two, was stopped in round seven of an IBF title challenge against the then unbeaten Florida puncher Jeff Lacy in 2005.

Williams said: "I am definitely not coming here to make up the numbers. I am coming here to knock out Carl Froch and take my place where I belong back at the top of the rankings.

"I respect what Carl has achieved but he hasn't fought anybody like me. I was delighted when I was given the opportunity because I was fit and in shape and I am ready to make the most of it."

Up for it

Promoter Mick Hennessy insists he is delighted with the deal, despite Williams' record being considerably inferior to that of Inkin or Berrio.

"For whatever reason Inkin and Berrio both pulled out but we are delighted to have persuaded someone of the quality of Williams to step in," said Hennessy.

"It says a lot that he took the fight and it proves he is up for it."

Froch and Williams will square off in a packed out Nottingham Arena in what is billed as a final eliminator for a shot at the WBC super-middleweight title held by Joe Calzaghe.