Karl Wareham is the European middleweight champion, thanks to his efforts against George Williams this Saturday night. The Battle Arena Wolverhampton main event went Wareham’s way after he controlled much of the fight with his grappling, nearly finishing on many occasions. We caught up with the fighter following the major victory.
Wareham vs Williams: Fight in Short
Round number one went Karl Wareham’s way. After securing a powerful early takedown, Wareham unloaded heavy shots before securing a dominant top position, attacking an Americana for much of the round before laying in more ground and pound.
The second looked much like Wareham took down Williams and attacked a key lock from the mount, but Williams reversed before securing a takedown of his own. After being stood up, Wareham again secured a takedown to end the round.
An air of inevitability struck as Karl Wareham stormed across the cage, taking down Williams and controlling him for the entirety of the third round.
Wareham secured a definitive victory and became the European middleweight champion.
Karl Wareham Interview
Hi Karl, Thanks for talking to us again following your big win. How are you feeling a few days later?
Hi Jordan, it’s my pleasure mate. I’ve popped a bottom rib out and a few little scrapes, but I’m still buzzing!. Got what I went in there for, Can’t be happier about the result.
How do you rate your performance?
Ah, Not great. I know everyone was expecting George and me to stand toe to toe and to club the crap out of each other. That would have been daft on my part!. The guys got a solid chin, and I’ve got a crappy gas tank I didn’t put in a training camp for the fight with all the stuff I had going on in my personal life. I had to fight ‘clever’ and take advantage of George’s weaker areas of his game.
It’s still a win, and what a win it was. Despite your best efforts to convince us you were old and crusty in our last interview, European Middleweight Champion must sound good.
I am still very much old and crusty, mate. I’ll be feeling the effects of the fight for a while, I think. Any kind of ‘champion’ has an awesome ring to it. Well chuffed!
From the first bell, you seemed just too strong for your opponent to ever really get you off him. Did you feel that was the case?
Both in the clinches and on the ground, I felt like I could overpower him at Will, but I was being wary of my lungs. That was pure because of the lack of training I put in.
Did you feel close to finishing the fight at any point?
The key lock, Twice! They were in tight! I finished Tommy Taylor the same way & he has a high-level jujitsu background. When I was putting it on, George didn’t seem fazed at all. It shocked me a bit, to be honest. That’s why I gave up on them. Seriously Flexible joints on the guy! I did think I’d stop him with the ground shots and then with the key locks, but George is durable as they come.
Wareham : “Williams As Tough As They Come”
Did you manage to get much celebrating done after the win?
Celebrated with some junk food and some sleep. Adrenaline dump hit me like a train. It took me about an hour to control my breathing. Embarrassing.
Do you have any idea when you want to step in and defend your brand new title?
It was briefly mentioned about defending the belt in either June or October. I’m not sure yet though.
Before you go, is there anyone in the fighters from the gym that we should be looking out for in the near future?
Yes, Ollie White. He’s got a fight coming up soon. He’s GAME! Strong and skilled. He’ll be one to watch for sure!
Thanks for taking the time again to talk to us, Karl, anything you wanna add?
Can I just thank the lads for stepping up cornering me on short notice? Keith Farrugia and Andy Ditchburn. It’s much appreciated. Unfortunately, my bout clashed with a pro belt for Harry Marples on top and the coaches were with him. He also secured a belt and raised a good sum of money for a brilliant cause at the same time.
Thanks to the lads down Cannock BJJ, They didn’t see me much, but when they did they worked me like a m*********er. Harry Marples, Paul Taylor, Ash Fletcher, Brett Reeves and all the lads down there showing support, all legends in the sport.
Thanks to Karl for giving up his time to us again, are you looking forward to his first defence?
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Featured image credits to Battle Arena
