Bearded wonder Williams clear to fight on

Fears that Danny Williams' world heavyweight showdown with Vitali Klitschko would be cancelled because of his refusal to shave off his beard subsided today after officials said they would not block the contest.

Saturday's clash was placed in doubt after Williams, a Muslim, said he would not remove his short beard out of respect for his religious beliefs, even though most boxing authorities insist on fighters being relatively clean shaven.

Officials with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which governs boxing in Las Vegas, will inspect Williams later today.

But Marc Ratner, the commission's executive, said: "I don't foresee this being a problem. Our representative will determine whether his facial hair presents any hazard. I haven't seen anything like a full cowboy beard, but we've had boxers fight unshaven. Holyfield had a little stuff on him."

Bernd Boente, representing Klitschko, insisted there would be no protest from the champion. "It doesn't worry Vitali at all. All that would concern us is if Williams had a horseshoe in his glove," he said.