Newz Forum: BOXING: Williams could become latest heavyweight hero in UK

LONDON (AP) - Danny Williams' victory over Mike Tyson is dominating the headlines in England. Williams' victory Friday night was so big that one all-sports network led with the bout on morning broadcasts - ahead of a soccer scandal that's threatening to get England's national coach fired.

The 31-year-old Williams beat Tyson with a stunning fourth-round knockout, a victory over a fighter who was once the most feared of his era. Williams followed up the win by proposing to his girlfriend - who accepted.

Sky Sports News called the improbable outcome in Louisville, Ky., an "incredible victory," adding that it was a "shock" and a "sensational" win. The British Broadcasting Corporation ran the story on the front page of its Web-based sports section.

All this while Sven-Goran Eriksson could be forced out as coach of England's soccer team for having an affair with a Football Association secretary. That story dominated the sports pages the last week.

Boxing promoter Frank Maloney called Williams the "David who became the Goliath."

"It was a convincing victory and a real boost for British boxing because you are only as good as your heavyweights," he told Britain's domestic news agency, the Press Association.

Williams, born in the gritty London suburb of Brixton, could become the latest British heavyweight - after Lennox Lewis and Frank Bruno - to capture the hearts of the English public.

"He can capitalize on all the hard work, overcoming all the self doubts and establish himself as one of the best heavyweights on the planet - and hopefully one of the richest," his promoter, Frank Warren, told BBC radio.

Williams, now 32-3, never fought a name opponent or top contender before Tyson. He had just one other fight in the United States and was 1-1 against Julius Francis, a British fighter Tyson knocked out in the second round a few years ago. In short, he was considered a journeyman.

Not now.

"Danny has beaten the 'baddest man on the planet,"' Warren said. "He is the man. The heavyweight division has come alive now with Danny."

Williams' next opponent could be World Boxing Council champion Vitali Klitschko, according to Warren.

Lewis and Bruno were both former heavyweight champions - and both fought Tyson. Lewis beat Tyson two years ago, while Bruno lost twice.

Tyson's comeback was prompted by massive debts. He owes about $38 million despite earning about $300 million in his career.