 Skelton (right) says he has sharpened his boxing skills |
Danny Williams has been told he will be well beaten by Matt Skelton unless he enters the ring for their rematch on Saturday in the shape of his life. Williams wrecked Skelton's unbeaten record in a brutal 12-round defence of his Commonwealth title in February.
And as the two heavyweights prepare for war again in Cardiff, Skelton's camp issued a stark pre-fight warning.
Trainer Kevin Saunders said: "Danny says he's really fit. We'll he better be as Matt is out to make him pay."
Williams has revealed he has been spending long periods in an oxygen tent in preparation for his return rubber with former British champion Skelton.
The Brixton fighter admits he is desperate to avoid having to go the distance again against his big domestic rival.
But cornerman Saunders insists Skelton is supremely conditioned to do just that.
Saunders said: "We've heard all this stuff about Danny and his tent but for his sake I really hope he is well prepared because Matt is looking super-fit.
"If Danny's not really up to it, then there's only one winner. Matt has been training so well and I've never seen him looked so determined.
 | Last time against Matt, Danny spent a lot of time laying all over the ropes but hopefully the referee will be a bit stronger in this fight and control things. |
"Matt hadn't tasted defeat before their last fight and it hurt him badly.
"But I can see in the way he has been training he is desperate to get that belt.
"He's been turning up for training earlier than ever, eager to get in the best possible shape. It's so obvious he is hungry to avenge that last fight.
"I think people will be be impressed with how fit he is looking. Matt will come in at a good weight and is feeling faster and more agile."
Their last encounter descended into an untidy brawl at London's Excel Arena, but former kick-boxer Skelton's corner have been working hard in improving his technical skills.
"We've worked a lot on the jab and Matt is ready to use it a lot more in this fight," Saunders said.
"Obviously a lot of people saw the last fight as dirty and if it comes down to it, I don't really see this one being any different.
"Last time, Danny spent a lot of time laying all over the ropes but hopefully the referee will be a bit stronger this fight and control things.
"At first I thought Matt had lost it because Danny had a strong last round but I've seen the tapes many times since and in my mind Matt definitely won.
"He threw 30-40 punches more and most of those landed - there was no way he lost it."
Williams has fought since that Skelton dust-up but he was not at his best as he beat Adnan Serin in a hastily arranged bout in Belfast in May.
Skelton has also seen action since, scoring a fourth-round knockout victory over Suren Kalachyan in April.
And Saunders added: "I feel Matt will really show what he's about. I can't fault his training and enthusiam. He's shown he really wants it."
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Interview: Danny Williams