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Stepping Back from Paris 2024
Lewis Williams, the 6ft 7in heavyweight who clinched Commonwealth gold in 2022, made the tough decision to forgo his Olympic dream in Paris to be by his father's side during his final days. Despite being a top contender for the Olympics, Williams chose to prioritize his family over his sporting career as his father's health took a turn for the worse last year.
A Heartfelt Decision
Williams reflected on the difficult choice he made, stating, "As hard as it was going through all that, I know I would be in a far worse state if I had been off training or boxing somewhere when he had gone." The boxer expressed gratitude for the time he was able to spend with his father, emphasizing the importance of being present during his last moments.
Turning Professional and Offering to Spar
With his Olympic aspirations on hold, Williams is now set to turn professional. He has even extended a generous offer to spar with Oleksandr Usyk in preparation for his rematch with Tyson Fury on December 21. Williams commended Usyk for his dedication to his late father, drawing parallels to his own experience of cherishing every moment with his dad.
