By Rick Reeno

Danny Williams is only a few weeks away from the biggest fight of his career when he takes on WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko. Williams recently made some comments in the UK media which have caused quite a bit of controversy. Apparently he told the UK press that after he beats WBC champion Vitali Klitschko, he will retire from Boxing due to religious reasons. Williams is a devout Muslim and said that the sport is causing a conflict with his Muslim beliefs. Williams said that the sport which has made him a household name, goes against what he believes in as a devout Muslim.

Williams told the media that the Koran clearly states that "a man should not use his hands to do harm". Williams believes that everytime he climbs into the ring for a bout, he is commiting a sin against his religion. The Muslim religion never seemed to cause any conflicts for Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Hasim Rahman, Chris Eubank, Naseem Hamed, etc.

“I’ll give up boxing for my faith, without a shadow of a doubt. To me, God is the most important thing. Boxing is nothing. I’ve got to do what’s pleasing to God.” said Williams

“My Muslim brothers have told me that I shouldn’t be in this sport. But they say the Koran was given to the Prophet Muhammad in pieces and it’s the same with us. When you become a Muslim, you clean yourself up bit by bit and boxing will be another bit I’ve got to give up.”

While Williams is making comments regarding Boxing and how it conflicts with his religious beliefs, he contradicts himself by saying that religion helps him in Boxing.

 “When I became a Muslim, I was able to relax and leave everything in God’s hands,” he said. “Now I’m starting to perform because I’m going into the ring 100 per cent relaxed.”