AND THEN THERE WAS ONLY ONE MAN “BEING AVOIDED”
Los Angeles, CA- This past April two of boxing’s most avoided fighters squared off. The now 37 year-old Ronald “Winky” Wright (51-5-1 ,25 KOs) fighting for the first time in over a year, was completely dominated by Paul “The Punisher” Williams (37-1, 27 KOs), losing a unanimous decision. Not only can Paul fight, Williams has the potential to become one of the top fighters of his generation. Being freakishly tall at 6′1,’ and with the ability to fight anywhere from 147-160 lbs., he’s a dangerous opponent for anyone. Although not yet a major draw, “The Punisher” has a style that should be embraced by the boxing public. He throws punches in bunches, engages his foes, and when he decides to sit down on his shots exhibits solid punching power.
DOES PAUL HAVE TO JUMP TO HEAVYWEIGHT?
We have reached the second half of 2009 and currently he has no fight scheduled. Williams was in negotiations for a fight with middleweight (160) king Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik, but Paul’s people reportedly backed out claiming financial reasons. Is Williams (35-1, 31 KOs) waiting for one of the welterweight belt holders to call him out, cause that’s not going to happen.
WELTERWEIGHT ACTION DOESN’T INCLUDE PUNISHER
It appears that at least for the rest of this year a high profile match for him at at welterweight probably won’t happen. WBA champion Shane Mosely (46-5, 39 KOs) who has a scheduled HBO date in December, most likely against WBC titleholder Andre Berto (25-0, 19 KOs). WBO titlist Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) and ‘pound for pound’ king Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) square off in November. Floyd Mayweather Jr. (39-0, 25 KOs) who steps in the ring with Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs) September 29th, Floyd doesn’t even know how to spell Paul’s name.
CAN KELLY STLL TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS?
Pavlik appears to be the most logical fight for Paul in in the short term, however what if he wins? Are there any other attractive money fights at middleweight? Without the marquee names, in essence Williams will be fighting Pavlik to win a title that basically leads to no options for big money fights in the short term, plus it is possible that Paul is praying one of the welterweight belt holders gives him a shot. Paul don’t hold your breath!
IS PAUL’S PRIME SLIPPING AWAY?
It is understandable that Williams may want to play the “waiting game,” but a fighter of his age (28) and ability needs to fight more often and remain active. The best available option for Paul is to fight Pavlik. If he wins, and it is a thrilling bout they can set up a big money rematch. If he is once again the victor (which by no means is guaranteed) he can possibly face a mandatory challenger, then attempt to set up a unification bout with WBA middleweight champion Felix Sturm (33-2-1, 14 KOs). If they can’t come to terms, his next option would be to move up to the super middleweight (168) division which currently appears to be the hottest division in boxing next to welterweight.
....source
Posts
