 Danny Williams cuts an impressive figure during training in America |
British heavyweight Danny Williams has pledged to fight like the Mike Tyson of old when he challenges Vitali Klitschko for the WBC title on 11 December. Critics give Williams slim hope against the 6ft 7in Ukrainian, but the Brixton brawler has been using Tyson's example while sparring tall men in training.
"At 5ft 11in, Tyson used head movement and a good jab to get inside and start working," Williams told BBC Sport.
"I expect a rough, rugged fight against Klitschko - it won't be pretty."
Williams, 31, hit out at those who have questioned his wisdom at taking such a tough bout straight after beating Tyson.
 |  I always push my wife and two little ones down the road in the car in Brixton and get stopped and asked if I need a jump start |
"I believe this is the level I should have been at a long time ago," he said.
"If it wasn't for my mental attitude, I'd have been there for ages. This is where I belong and I don't need any warm-ups.
"I can go straight in against Klitschko and prove that I'm one of the best heavyweights. In fact, the best out there."
Boasting 32 wins and three defeats in his pro career, the former British champion says he is in the best shape of his life.
"It's too good to be true at the moment. I've already surpassed my fitness for the Tyson fight.
"I started training eight weeks ago. To build up endurance, I've been doing lots of long-distance running, running with truck tyres and even pushing cars.
"I always push my wife and two little ones down the road in Brixton and get stopped and asked if I need a jump start.
| Danny would be in more trouble if he got into the ring with someone of 5ft 8in |
"Now I'm working on speed and sharpness at my base outside Las Vegas with shuttle sprints and sparring."
The Williams team has made it a priority to put their man up against tall sparring partners to simulate Klitschko's power and style.
"He's been in with a Russian, who's taller than Klitschko," said trainer Jimmy McDonnell.
"To be honest, he'd be in more trouble if he got into the ring with someone of 5ft 8in."
But while Williams admits that he has been focusing on ways to "get inside and outwork opponents", he says he will be ready for anything.
"I'm going to be on the inside really pounding him because I know that's where my advantage is. But, in boxing you have to prepare for every eventuality.
"Against Tyson, I prepared to box but ended up in a war.
"This time, I have prepared to work inside, but I'm going to have to be ready to work outside as well, where I'll need a good defence, a lot of hand speed, good footwork.
"If he wants to box on the inside, I can beat him. If he wants to box on the outside, I can beat him.
"Whatever Klitschko wants to do, I'll be better than him."
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