It?s hard to think of a fighter in the sport of boxing who is as much of an enigma as Paul Williams. Standing at 6?1 with freakish length and range, Williams has had tremendous success between 147 and 160 pounds in recent years and still seems to be unsure about what divisions he will be lurking around in the near future.
This Saturday night on HBO we will see Williams in a very intriguing Jr. Middleweight contest as he locks horns with power-punching former champion Kermit Cintron at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Cintron rejuvenated his career last May with a convincing decision win over hard-charging Alfredo Angulo in Hollywood, Florida and he has enough power to be taken seriously against anyone at 154 pounds.
Prior to the contest Cintron was known best for his two heartbreaking TKO losses to Antonio Margarito and his heart and resiliency were questioned by many. He was looked at as merely an opponent for the network darling Angulo but with his back against the wall the Puerto Rican native showed true character in outboxing and befuddling his Coachella foe. It was the exact type of win that Cintron needed to put himself back in the picture and now, nearly a year later, he is looked at as solid test for the ambitious-minded Williams.
Over the past four years Williams? star has shined on many stages and in many different weight divisions. The South Carolina native began his career in July of 2000 and mainly fought between 154 and 160 pounds before creeping closer to the welterweight class with a 3rd round TKO over Mahan Washington in December of 2001 in which he came in at 149. Williams continued to build upon his undefeated record by fighting non-descript opposition in Florida, New York, Georgia, New Mexico, Arizona, Connecticut and other locations while inching closer to the spotlight.
Williams? big moment would come in July of 2007 as he tested himself against the aggressive attack of Tijuana?s Antonio Margarito. Williams showed the best of his abilities as he came roaring out of the gates to build up an early lead before holding off a late surge by Margarito in capturing a close decision win. Williams copped some solid shots and survived some shaky moments in capturing the WBO welterweight strap, pointing to his mental toughness on the big stage.
One fight later Williams seemed to be caught off guard as he had trouble with the southpaw style of Carlos Quintana and was on the wrong end of a decision verdict. Like a true professional Williams turned the tables in the rematch, starching the former champion in the first round, and has followed it up with a string of victories against a lineup of credible veterans. Williams? last fight was a back and forth struggle with reigning middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, who he defeated by a nip and tuck decision in Atlantic City.
This past weekend the boxing world was witness to Floyd Mayweather thoroughly outclassing Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather?s performance has had several people buzzing about his future in the sport and prior to the fight Williams let it be known that a fight with Floyd is one that he has always desired. It seems to be fitting that one week later and one division north Williams will have the chance to showcase his worth and make no mistake about it, Mayweather isn?t solely on his mind heading into Saturday night.
?Right now, Cintron is my main focus,? Williams stated. ?The guy right in front of me is always my main focus. I don?t think about any other possible fights. If I?m asked, I?ll talk about it, but otherwise my sole concentration is my next fight. But, you know, my thing is I?ll fight anybody if the money is right.?
One of Williams? better attributes is that he always comes into the ring in excellent shape, as seen by his tremendous work rate round after round. For this fight in particular Williams had to buckle down during preparation and fully expects Cintron to be on the receiving end of some serious punishment when he lets his frustration out.
?I hated training camp, getting up at 4 a.m. and working as hard as I did,? Williams admitted. ?But that means it was a great camp and I am in tremendous condition. I?m looking forward to making the most of my opportunity on Saturday and making Cintron pay for all the hours and hours I put in during camp.??
There was once a time when Williams was labeled as one of the most avoided fighters in boxing and even now he could be forgiven for feeling overlooked, as Mayweather is still the talk of many boxing circles and even the man he defeated in his last fight is busy polishing off his new Middleweight belts. Still, at the end of the day Williams? realizes how important his own battle this weekend is and can foresee a violent encounter.
?Saturday is going to be a real fight between two hungry guys doing their best to get their hand raised at the end. It?s not personal, but he?ll be out throwing punches and trying to hurt me, and I?ll be trying to hurt him. If he catches me with his best shot, I?ll still be standing. When I catch him with my best shot, look out. It may be different.?
Click on the collage below for a picture by picture look at Paul Williams in recent years?
