By Luke Furman

Already three years have passed since that Adonis Stevenson surprised Chad Dawson to become the WBC heavyweight champion. Six defenses of title later, a weariness has settled among his fans and his next fight is still far away from raising their passions.

Stevenson (27-1, 22KOs) will defend his belt against dangerous puncher Thomas Williams Jr. (20-1, 14KOs) on July 29 at Centre Vidéotron in Quebec, Canada.

While some are not convinced of Williams' worth as a title challenger, Stevenson's promoter Yvon Michel of GYM is very concerned with the upcoming fight and believes Williams presents a very dangerous situation.

Williams has been involved in two sensational brawls coming into this fight, where he knocked out both Umberto Savigne and then Edwin Rodriguez. In both contests Williams tasted the canvas and knocked his opponent out.

"It worries me because he is left-handed and he has nothing to lose," Michel said to RDS. "Although Adonis and his coach are trying to reassure me that everything will be fine, I am playing the devil's advocate."

Michel cites the recent upset knockout that was suffered by top light heavyweight contender Andrzej Fonfara, who was knocked out in the first round by huge underdog Joe Smith son two weeks ago in Chicago. Fonfara was surprised by a right hand and never fully recovered.

"Adonis has never faced a dangerous [fighter like this] with his right hand," said Michel. "It is his most dangerous opponent since Dawson. Williams is a suicide bomber who is willing to take enormous risks to hit the target. If it's not him, it is his opponent who falls. "

Stevenson is also coming back from a lengthy layoff. At 38-years-old, his last fight took place in September, where he easily knocked out Tommy Karpency in three rounds. But he says the extended rest period was taken based on the advice of his manager.

"After my victory over Tommy Karpency - in September of last year in Toronto-, my manager Al Haymon asked me to slow down the pace, not to do too much," said Stevenson.  ''He strongly suggested that I rest in order to get back in top form for my next fight."

Luke Furman covers boxing for bokser.org