DaVarryl Williamson
EXCLUSIVE: Colorado Sports Hall of Famer wants to train Deion Sanders' Buffs
It's not often the former heavyweight champion of the world wants to help condition football players. But that's DaVarryl Williamson's offer to Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes. Bring the team down to Denver and learn the basics from the man they call the 'Touch of Sleep'.
The 54-year-old former superstar boxer has witnessed a lot of bouts in his life. A former WBC/WBO champ who was once managed by infamous promoter Don King the same time he was cutting deals for Mike Tyson, Williamson was also on the 1996 US Olympic team with Floyd Mayweather. His passion has always been boxing, but he loves Sanders' enthusiastic wisdom being spread in Boulder.
"It's so good to see what Coach Prime is doing for the university and the community," Williamson said. " It's almost like when Peyton Manning came to the Broncos. The state is glowing with electricity and ready to watch him cook. He's such a force and just a genuine man."
Colorado went from a 1-11 season last year to the hype of a Sanders' takeover and a heavy build-up with back-to-back games scheduled in front of a national television audience. Williamson sees a difference with Coach Prime's philosophy and how the new roster is buying into his teachings. He hopes the Buffs can put together some victories this season.
"Colorado faces one of the toughest schedules, and underdogs can often bite when you least expect them to," Williamson said.
"You got TCU, Nebraska, and Colorado State... Not to mention the Pac-12 side of the schedule. This is one of the most underrated teams in college football right now because nobody has seen them play on film. That's why people are attacking Prime. They fear what they don't know."
DaVarryl Williamson/Doug Benc
Williamson knows a lot about invoking fear. He was notorious for laying his opponents out on the canvas time and time again. The power puncher boasts an impressive record of 23 knockouts in his 27 professional wins. A late bloomer in the boxing world with his first bout at the age of 25, he quickly gained recognition for his devastating right-hand haymaker.
As an amateur, he became the first and only heavyweight to win the US National Amateur Heavyweight Championship for three consecutive years: 1996, 1997, and 1998. He was also a two-time national Golden Gloves champion in 1996 and 1999. Williamson's exceptional punching power and achievements stand as a testament to his skill and determination. He took on Chris Byrd, Kali Meehan, and Wladimir Klitschko during the height of his career.
We'll see if Sanders will take up Williamson up on his offer. It would be great to see the Buffs out of their element with a different kind of training.
