DOUG Williams will defend the Premier Wrestling Federation championship against Mark Haskins when he makes his final UK ring appearance in Worthing next week.

The multi-winning former American TNA, Ring of Honor and Impact Wrestling superstar, who announced his retirement from wrestling after a bout at Wembley last month, has confirmed he will fulfil a long-standing engagement to appear on the big Premier Promotions half-term spectacular at the St Paul’s Centre on Monday October 22.

The match against USA-bound Haskins, between two of the biggest names in wrestling, follows a clash earlier this year when Haskins defeated Williams at the St Paul’s Centre, and both men signed up to a return contest for the PWF title.

Williams will jet back from another contracted bout in Hanover at the weekend to put the PWF title belt on the line against Haskins, 20 years after he made his Premier Promotions debut on a show on Worthing pier.

Since that day in 1998, Williams has earned global recognition, winning American, European and Japanese championships, while on home shores he has been voted Wrestler of the Year a record-breaking seven times, held three PWF titles and appeared on more than 80 shows in Worthing, where he was at one time a resident.

Promoter John Freemantle said: “Doug has been there, done it all and got the T-shirt and has arguably been the most popular, and certainly the most successful, wrestler on our shows since he made his debut.

“It would be fitting if the fans he has thrilled over the years turn out in force for his very last match.”

Williams faces a big test against Haskins, one of the hottest properties in the business.

The first Worthing show of the new season will also feature the annual knockout tournament for the Worthing Trophy, which is being sponsored for the 25th year by local firm Sussex Ford Breakers and has been won six times by Williams and is currently held by Haskins, plus a three-man triple threat bout.

Among the other stars in action in the five-bout programme will be “Dazzling” Darrell Allen, “Prince of Mumbai” Rishi Ghosh, fans favourite Josh Faulkner and Ireland’s Oisin Delaney.

Tickets for Monday’s show, with discounts for advanced bookings, are available at the venue or on line via the centre’s website.