THAT was almost one of the most unlikely coronations in British heavyweight title history when Mark Potter nearly defeated Danny Williams in an unforgettable encounter in October 2000.
That night inside Wembley Convention Center, with Williams’ right arm dangling from his dislocated shoulder, Potter took advantage of Danny – in a performance he called proud best – somehow saved the victory with his left shot. It was a truly heroic turn for Williams and the part that the big underdog Potter played in will ensure that he is never forgotten.
“I had to do what I needed to do to survive,” Potter said in May, seven months after being told stomach cancer would kill him. “Now I am told that I only have three months to live. I will beat this, and prove the doctors and the NHS wrong.”
Potter passed away at the age of 47 over the weekend. He fought to the end, smiling at his family and friends, hoping those who were always by his side did not share in his anguish. Potter has undergone chemotherapy in an attempt to prolong his life along with alternative therapy which he hopes will bring about a miracle.
Potter made his debut in July 1997, beating JA Bugner by more than six rounds thanks to Naseem Hamed’s victory over Juan Gerardo Cabrera. Also in the bill promoted by Frank Warren is Dean Francis, an extremely talented boxer who died of cancer 4 years ago. Like Potter, Francis fought bravely to survive the most formidable and uncompromising opponent of them all.
Matt Legg, who campaigned in heavyweight from 2001-2014, has fond memories of his time with Potter. He recalls: “We played against each other and as a gentleman he was very easy on me because I was a brand new professional tennis player. “He said we were going to tip-tap, for which I was very grateful. It was an honor to share the ring with him.”
Danny Williams and Mark Potter during the British and Commonwealth heavyweight title match at Wembley on October 22, 2000 (John Gichigi/ALLSPORT)
Potter – dubbed the “White Shark” – compiled an official record of 21-5 (14). He beat Danny Watts to lift the Southern Division heavyweight belt in March 2003, a win that effectively landed him a shot into Williams’ arm, 5 months later. Although he was ‘retired’ after his loss to Michael Sprott in 2003, Potter competed in MMA and was a staunch supporter of unlicensed boxing, where he knocked Butterbean to the point of failure. in overtime.
Less famous is the Potter vs Danny Bardell competition in 2018. Bardell, who has Down Syndrome, has always wanted to be a boxer and when Potter allowed himself to be eliminated in the second round, he turned his wish. a young man’s dream come true.
That kindness was a theme of Potter’s life. Wayne Alexander, the former 154 lbs European champion, said: “He was always friendly, always had a smile on his face. I will never forget how close he came to the British heavyweight title. He was always kind and helped me a lot, which I will never forget.”
Those sentiments were echoed by another former boxer, longtime friend David Walker. “He was a tough fighter but a true gentleman,” Walker said. “He had a loving, caring heart and I will always admire him, in so many ways.”
Potter, who was a personal trainer until a year ago, was in great shape when the cancer diagnosis was made a year ago. At first, he assumed it was a training injury before the numbness spread to his calf and forced him to see a GP. Claiming he was overtraining in the gym, he was shocked when doctors announced he had stage four stomach cancer.
Besides his beloved wife, Hannah, and two children Sam and Rosie, the boxer refused to accept the death sentence. Ultimately, as too many people realize, the best way to combat this disease is with an early diagnosis.
Frank Warren, who will pay tribute to Potter during this weekend’s performance at the O2, said of the boxer he often advertises: “Mark is a great fighter and an even greater character, who has participated in many recreational fights over the years and is an excellent boxer. Famous faces around battle scenes, especially in the London area.
“Mark is a fighter to the end and never stops punching – may he rest in peace.”
Audley Harrison, who fought Potter while they were both on their way to advancing in the amateurs, wrote: “He gave me a hell of a fight at the London ABAs… Looking back, a lot of boxers died in the process. past few years. Definitely make you appreciate your time here.
Potter wasn’t just the man who almost beat Danny Williams. The way he behaves in his fight against the evil disease and the kindness he has shown throughout his life is testament to that.
