Paul Williams

Interview with Dan Goosen

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 16:24:00 +0000

EastSideBoxing.com

GL: Can you give us some thoughts on Wright-Williams and tell us why you think your guy is going to win?

DG: Like Arreola, Paul's on his way to making history. He won't be the first to have achieved it, but it hasn't been done for over a half century. Henry Armstrong defied the odds and all logic simultaneously fighting in a multitude of weight divisions. Williams, out of necessity, is doing the same. After regaining his Welterweight World Championship in June of 2008, he couldn't find any other welterweights willing to step in with him and went up to Middleweight to get a fight. In the fight after middleweight, Paul went down to Jr. Middleweight and won another World Championship after unsuccessfully seeking to defend his Welterweight Championship against a worthy challenger. Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosely, Michael Jennings, you name them they waffled. Now he's going back up in weight to challenge what is sure to be his biggest prize yet in the middleweight division, Winky Wright. Wright has beaten Shane Mosely twice, Felix Trinidad, toe-to-toe with Jermain Taylor and Bernard Hopkins and Paul now has the opportunity to capitalize on what is sure to be a hard-fought Punisher style victory. This is the fight that puts Paul's name at the top of the pound-for-pound list.

GL: Do you think the winner of this fight deserves to fight Pavlik next and what do you think of Pavlik's recent opponents?

DG: First the question is backwards. Does Pavlik deserve a shot against Williams with a victory over Wright? Paul has said recently that he would like to reclaim his Welterweight Championship. Who would take up that challenge? Shane Mosely? Miguel Cotto? You would have to ask those guys, but I don't figure they would rush to sign on the dotted line. There are no more excuses for another world champion not to step into the ring with Paul Williams, or should I say acceptable excuses. Can you imagine Paul beating Winky at middleweight and ready to fight for the championship he was forced to give up at 147-pounds? That would be history! Then at 154-pounds we have another champion in the WBO that is willing to fight Paul and quite frankly that alone qualifies him to be a real possibility in Sergiy Dzinziruk. Now we come to the middleweight division and you have Kelly Pavlik, the man that had a Williams fight but let the money interfere with better sense and proceeded to lose to a man that should be working his corner rather than beating him inside the ring in Hopkins. If Pavlik continues to challenge fighters such as he did last month, he will not have earned his right to get into the ring with Paul. Now if going between welterweight and middleweight didn't impress anyone, which would be virtually impossible to fathom, the fight that I heard George Peterson and Paul tell some media at our LA press conference on who they would want next with a victory over Wright was, get this, Bernard Hopkins. Is that big enough for you Greg? I would like to hear from all of your readers on their thoughts on Paul against Winky on April 11 and of course some of the names that I just mentioned here.

Paul Williams Willing To Return To Welter

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 13:24:00 +0000

By Mark Vester - BoxingScene.com

WBO interim-junior middleweight champion Paul Williams has fought above the welterweight limit for nearly a year. After knocking out Carlos Quintana last June at 147, he jump two weight classes in September to stop Andy Kolle at the middleweight limit of 160-pounds. Two months later he went down to 154 and stopped Verno Phillips for the interim title. On April 11 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Williams jumps back to 160 to face Winky Wright.

If Williams beats Wright in April, there are many who don't see him returning to the welterweight division. Williams, speaking with BoxingScene.com's Luis Sandoval, says that he is willing to drop back to 147 for the right fight. He would love to get in the ring with Shane Mosley, Joshua Clottey or Miguel Cotto.

"Basically I'm in every weight class [but] nothing under 147. If I can get a big fight at 147, I would definitley come back to 147," Williams said.

Experts are split on whether or not Williams can beat the bigger and more experienced Wright. Williams plans to make a statement in April by not allowing Wright to get off and keeping at a high level for all twelve rounds.

"Every time I get in the ring I want to make a statement. My fans know that every time I get in the ring I'm coming to fight. It don't matter who the guy is or what the guy has been doing, or how big the guy is or how bad the guy is. I want to prove that I'm the best and to prove that you're the best - you have to get in there and beat the best. That's how I look at it," Williams said.

"Winky has been doing some good stuff and all that. I respect the man for what he's done in his career but now its my time. If I keep punching I'll keep him in his shell. I won't let him get off. I'm going to come out with a win but it's going to be something very exciting for them to see."

Winky Wright Looking To Dominate

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:09:00 +0000

By Mark Vester - BoxingScene.com

Following the lead of Shane Mosley and Bernard Hopkins, another veteran of the game, Winky Wright, wants to dominate his younger opponent. Hopkins dominated Kelly Pavlik last October. Mosley dominated Antonio Margarito in January, and Wright wants to put on a dominating, career-defining performance against Paul Williams on April 11 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

“I think I'm going to need it. He's a young hungry fighter who thinks the world is scared of him, but I'm going to show him that I'm the man and I have to put a stamp on that on April 11. I'm going to give him some things to think about in the ring and we're going to have to adjust and just dominate the fight. I'm going to win, definitely,” Wright tells BoxingScene.com’s Luis Sandoval.

Williams has jumped around in three divisions, 147, 154 and 160 - knocking out most of his opponents. Wright tells BoxingScene that he hopes Williams comes to the ring with the mindset of trading punches because there could be an opportunity to win with a knockout.

“I see that he likes to trade and I could stop him. Like I said, I see that he likes to trade and if he comes to trade - he could get stopped,” Wright said.

For years, Wright has been accused of being very difficult when it came to negotiating a fight and the financial numbers. Wright denies those claims.

“I never turned down any fight. People use money to get out of fighting me. They know that if they offer me well below my worth then I'm not going to take the fight. That's all they doing. They price themselves out of the fight. Even when I offer them a good price, then they want this or they want that. They price themselves out of the fight without saying they don't want to fight. They do it that way,” Wright said.

“After I win this fight, I want to fight the best. If Pavlik or whoever. I want the best fighter. I want the fans to say 'I want to see Winky Wright fight this guy' and that's who I want to fight."

Vivek Wallace Weighs In on Kirkland/Williams

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:33:00 +0000

Barry Stevens (Miami Lakes, FL): James Kirkland proved a lot in his fight against Julio. How do you think he would fare against someone like Paul Williams at 154?

Vivek W. (Examiner): I thought Kirkland performed in a way that instantly gave him a certain level of credibility against ANY opponent on the 154lb level, despite the fact that it's still very early in his career. Coming into the fight it was his chin that most questioned, yet when it was all said and done, there was no room left to second guess him whatsoever. He took the biggest bombs from one of the divisions biggest punchers and basically laid the blueprint to defeat any heavy fisted foe; which is keep them off balance and going backwards. I think his determination and his power, coupled with his endurance and grit makes him a tough fight for Williams. Paul Williams has looked great at '54, but I have yet to see him against a heavy fisted fighter who has more in his arsenal than looping shots (i.e. Margarito). Hopefully this is a fight that can be made early in 2010 to officially answer this question.

-theexaminer.com

April 11th, a Big Night of HBO Entertainment

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:21:00 +0000

There were few rivalries in the world of sports like that between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. HBO explores that rivalry and their epic third fight in a documentary called, "Thrilla in Manila." It airs on April 11, at 8:00 p.m.

"According to a release, "Thrilla in Manila," tells the previously unknown story of their final fight in the searing heat of the Philippines through the eyes of the “other man” in the ring.

The documentary is part of an incredible night of boxing, which also includes the first installment of Pacquiao-Hatton 24/7 and followed by the 12-round “World Championship Boxing” middleweight bout between Winky Wright and Paul Williams.

Here's the lineup for HBO that night:

8:00 -- Premiere “Thrilla in Manila” documentary.

9:30 -- First installment of "Pacquiao-Hatton 24/7"

10:00 -- Winky Wright vs Paul Williams, middleweight title fight, live from Las Vegas."

Http://weblogs.newsday.ca

Paul Williams' a Favorite of Mike Tyson

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 20:19:00 +0000

"Tyson said he doesn't go to see live boxing any more, but he watches on television.

His favourites are Pacquiao, considered the best fighter pound-for-pound in the world, and he also likes light-middleweights Paul Williams, the WBO champ, and former undisputed champion Ronald (Winky) Wright.

Williams and Wright meet for real April 11 in Las Vegas."

MetroNews.CA

Paul Williams Interview from FightHype.com

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:40:00 +0000

http://fighthype.com/pages/content4440.html

Great Interview. Highly Recommended.

P4P Rankings from 411Mania.com

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 14:51:00 +0000

8. Paul Williams (36-1, 27 KOs) – The Punisher can't find opponents on a regular basis but a former champion in Winky Wright, has answered the call. Williams has been moving up and down in different weight classes and he'll face his toughest challenge to date when he faces Winky on April 11 in Las Vegas. This is going to be a rough fight for both guys so expect to see an entertaining one – yes entertaining even with Wright in the other corner. A win would likely receive small criticism from journalists about Winky being old now and rusty, but Wright is still as tricky a fighter as you'll find and should Williams prevail impressively, it'll make him even more of an avoided fighter.

Vivek Wallace on a potential Williams/Forrest Matchup

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:55:00 +0000

Vivek Wallace - EastSideBoxing.com

Cedrick Watson (Miami Gardens, FL): How would you see a Paul Williams/Vernon Forrest showdown at 154lbs?

Vivek W. (ESB): I respect the talents of both men strongly. With Williams, you’re getting a full fight; 3 minutes of every round for 12 rounds. With Forrest, you’re getting a guy that has more left in the tank than most give him credit for, as witnessed in his last bout. Forrest would probably be the most powerful fighter that Williams has ever faced. He doesn’t have Margarito’s work rate, but he has more power. The flipside to that argument is the fact that Williams would be the most ‘live’ opponent that Forrest has ever faced. All things remaining equal, Williams’ work rate and Forrests’ age could be the two major points of contention in a fight like this. Williams is in his prime, and will undoubtedly work hard through the whole fight. If Forrest takes his foot off the gas for a moment to catch his breath, that rest period could landslide to an avalanche points victory for Williams. Both men would have a shot, but I think youth probably prevails that night. At any rate, Williams’ mind had better be on ‘Winky’ Wright, because I’ll tell you what, that guy - inactive or not - comes to play, he’s hard to hit, and has a jab as precise as the Stealth Bomber. As a fantasy question, I guess it’s ok for us to ponder a Williams/Forrest showdown, but for his own sake, Williams’ mind had better be on the task at hand!

Williams/Pavlik in the Cards?

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 13:52:00 +0000

Unlikely according to BoxingRepublic.com who took a look at Pavlik's potential next opponents:

Winky Wright may also be considered if he gets by Paul Williams in April. If Williams beats Wright it is doubtful that Paul will get a crack at Kelly. There is some bad blood between promoter Bob Arum and the people behind Williams. Still stranger things have happened in the world of boxing.

Paul Williams Roundtable Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 15:57:00 +0000

Press Conference Quotes - BoxingScene.com

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:49:00 +0000

Quotes from today's press conference to announce Winky Wright vs. Paul Williams on April 11 in Las Vegas.

Winky Wright, Former Undisputed Junior Middleweight World Champion:

"I get a lot of people asking me why I'm not fighting. I tell them it has nothing to do with negotiations, it's because no one wants to fight me. No one wants to fight Winky Wright. They say it's about the money, but it isn't that. I wanted to fight Pavlik and Calzaghe, I'd go to England to fight him if he wanted, but the fact of the matter is, no one wants to fight Winky."

"I'm looking forward to the challenge, I want to show I'm more than a defensive fighter. Yeah I'm a defensive fighter, but I've never seen a boxer win a match without throwing punches. I'm definitely gonna need my defense against Paul, because he throws a lot of punches. I don't go for the knockout, boxing is a sport and it takes more than that."

"I've never been known to quit and Paul's never been known to quit, but someone's gonna have to and it's not gonna be me."

Paul Williams, Two Division World Champion:

"I'm blessed to be here, and I'm ready to fight Winky."

"He's a big name in boxing and I'm gonna try my best like in my past fights."

"I don't do a lot of talking, I do my talking in the Ring. I just want to work hard and have a good time."

Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

"There is no question that these two are the most avoided and feared fighters in the sport today."

"There are reports out about Winky Wright not being able to negotiate, being stubborn and hard to work with, but this is simply not true. Winky was willing to fight anyone, anywhere. He was willing to fight Felix Strum, anywhere, he was also willing to fight Abraham anywhere and these were all reasonable deals. It was about these guys being scared and I am putting my full credibility behind these claims."

"This is a fight boxing needs. It's the first big fight of 2009 in Las Vegas and we're glad to be back at the Mandalay Bay."

"Like I said after Bernard and Shane won their matches earlier on, this is the year of the legends. Winky is one of the true legends of the sport. He's on a mission, just like Shane was on a mission, and just like Bernard was on a mission. I like that he's the underdog."

Dan Goossen, President of Goossen Tutor Promotions:

"I know that there hasn't been a challenge that Winky has turned down. The proof is in the pudding; look at what he's done and who he's done it too."

"Winky is the most avoided man of the past decade because of what he's done in the ring. Paul is not avoided, but definitely feared and it's a big reason why we've moved across several weight divisions."

"This is a big fight and we are really concentrated on showing just how great Paul Williams is. The challenges he puts himself through are unparalleled."

"We feel Paul Williams will do what he does. He will be all offense and some great defense. The proof will be in the pudding on April 11th."

"This is the fight Paul wanted. What Winky's done in the last 10 years is remarkable. It's the big name that Paul has been looking for."

Chris Lighty, CEO of Winky Promotions:

"We have a great fight happening. Paul has come up through the ranks, grinding, just like Winky did when he was coming up."

"We will entertain, we have had some great fights in the past and we will continue to bring that to you. "

"Winky's had some great fights in the past 5 or 6 years, and although we didn't agree with the results, they were still great fights."

George Peterson, William's Trainer:

"One fighter is an offensive fighter, while the other is a defensive fighter. Statistically these are great fighters, so it will be exciting to see what will go on in the ring."

Tony Walker, Director of Affiliate Relations, HBO Sports:

"HBO's World Championship Boxing is very proud to present this fight on April 11th."

"These guys always take the risky fights and they always come prepared."

"Boxing has some great momentum at the moment,and on April 11th, Winky and Paul will definitely continue that push."

Bob Halloran, Director of Sports, MGM Mirage:

"These champs have fought the best."

"This is going to be Winky's 6th fight at the Mandalay Bay; he's had some great battles here. I know Paul was featured on the undercard of a Mayweather fight, so this is going to be his second fight with us. "

"Tickets for the show are affordable; you can get a great room and check out a great fight."

"I just recently checked the lines on the fight and Paul is the early favorite and I don't remember the last time I saw Winky as the underdog but it should make for a great fight."

- Williams/Wright Press Conference Photos -

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:51:00 +0000

Williams/Wright Press Conference Set

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:22:00 +0000

***MEDIA ALERT***

FORMER THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION WINKY WRIGHT &
TWO-DIVISION WORLD CHAMPION PAUL WILLIAMS

HOST PRESS CONFERENCE TO OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCE THEIR APRIL 11^th MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT AT MANDALAY BAY

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18^th AT 11:30 AM PT

ESPN ZONE AT LA LIVE – DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

WHO: WINKY WRIGHT, Former Three-Time World Champion (51-4-1, 25 KOs)

PAUL WILLIAMS, Two-Division World Champion (36-1, 27 KOs)

JIM WILKES, Wright’s Attorney

GEORGE PETERSON, Williams’ Trainer

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

DAN GOOSSEN, President of Goossen Tutor Promotions

WHAT: Former Three-Time World Champion Winky Wright and Two-Division World Champion Paul Williams will address the Los Angeles media to officially announce and discuss their upcoming bout on April 11^th at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nev. Event details for Wright vs. Williams will be announced at the press conference.

WHEN: WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

11:00 am – Lunch/Media Arrival

11:30 am – Press Conference

WHERE: ESPN ZONE @ L.A. LIVE – VIP Championship Lounge
1011 S. Figueroa St. Suite B 101
Los Angeles, CA 90015

PARKING: General Media & Satellite Truck Parking will be at Olympic West Parking Garage/LOT W located off of Chick Hearn Court/11th Street (same street), between Georgia Street and Cherry Street.

FACTS: Wright vs. Williams, a 12 round middleweight bout which is presented by Golden Boy Promotions, Goossen Tutor Promotions and Winky Promotions will air live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00pm ET / 7:00pm PT.

CONTACTS: Ramiro Gonzalez/Monica Sears, Golden Boy Promotions: (213) 489-5631

Marylyn Aceves, Goossen Tutor Promotions: (818) 817-8001

Stephanie Heller, MGM MIRAGE: (702) 650-7510

Kevin Flaherty, HBO: (212) 512-5052

Quest For Linear Champs Continues.....

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:11:00 +0000

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT

Current Lineal Champion: None

Last Lineal Champion: Winky Wright

Length of previous lineage: 12/16/1995 – circa May 2005

Champions during lineage: Six (Wright UD12 Shane Mosley; Mosley UD12 Oscar de la Hoya; de la Hoya UD12 Javier Castillejo; Castillejo MD12 Keith Mullings; Mullings KO9 Terry Norris; Norris UD12 Paul Vaden for vacant World title)

Do we burn it down and just start all over? There’s plenty of talent to be found in the junior middleweight division. The trick is to get them to face each other, which simply hasn’t been the case in recent years.

A glance at the top ten shows that there simply aren’t enough money-generating bouts to convince the fighters to face one another, or for the networks to even express any kind of interest. Case in point, Paul Williams faces Winky Wright in April for no other reason than HBO owed both fighters a TV date. Neither fighter stands to gain much with a win, especially Williams since the fight will take place outside of the junior middleweight division.

Top-rated Vernon Forrest is rumored for an April return against Charles Whittaker. The alphabet title he presently holds comes with the obligation of next facing Sergio Martinez, fresh off of his double-win disguised as a highly controversial draw against Kermit Cintron on Valentine’s Day. Failure to do so could result in his being stripped, though should do little to affect his number one B-Scene 154 lb. ranking.

Rated in between Forrest and Williams are Daniel Santos and Sergiy Dzinziruk, who already faced each other once before (Dzinziruk taking a 12 round decision in December 2005). Neither party seems to be in a hurry for a rematch, nor will any stateside network likely ever express any interest.

Cory Spinks was in line to fight for his old alphabet title in an all St. Louis grudge match with crosstown rival Deandre Latimore. The bout, once slated for March 28, is now in serious jeopardy of not happening at all, certainly not anytime soon.

Undefeated prospects-turned-contenders James Kirkland and Alfredo Angulo have already caught the eye of industry leader HBO. Angulo is fresh off of a fifth round stoppage of Cosme Rivera, while Kirkland is scheduled for a far more dangerous test against Joel Julio on March 7.

The common thread in their opposition to date is that, while respectable, none have been particularly tough to track down in the ring. Exciting, balls to the wall styles are what helped Kirkland and Angulo unofficially make it to HBO’s stable, which only means that both will be kept away from any pure boxing style for as long as possible.

Martinez remains a dark horse, but needs fights against the division’s best in order to propel up the rankings. Vernon Forrest fulfilling his mandatory would be a great start, though it looks for the moment like he’s content to give up a belt if it meant continuing to call his own shots.

Even if Forrest fights and defeats Martinez, and say Paul Williams continues to win out against anyone at the weight – a meet between the two will never happen so long as they are both advised by Al Haymon.

It will take for a Santos or Dzinziruk to step in at that point, and for a network to show any sort of interest. Either that, or openly root for a series of losses among the top four or five spots, and hope that the next generation can clean up the lifeless mess that has become the junior middleweight division.

Williams and Wright Predict Wins

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:12:00 +0000

Golden Boy - BoxingScene.com

LOS ANGELES - What happens when two of boxing's most feared superstars can't find anyone willing to step up and face them? They fight each other. On Saturday, April 11th, at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, former Junior Middleweight World Champion Winky Wright will look to stop the meteoric rise of two-division World Champion Paul "The Punisher" Williams in a 12 round middleweight bout that is destined to land the winner on the list of boxing's best, pound-for-pound.

"I'm excited to see these two great fighters squaring off at Mandalay Bay on April 11th," said Oscar de la Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. "I know that when two great champions like Winky and Paul fight each other, they are always determined to deliver the types of performances that will thrill fight fans."

"It's an exciting time for our sport," said Dan Goossen, President of Goossen Tutor Promotions. "Paul Williams, the "Most Feared Fighter in the World" against Winky Wright, the "Most Avoided Fighter in the World" showing the world there are no challenges that won't be accepted by real champions. This is the type of fight that will showcase Paul's size, skills and champion's heart which he'll need against the man that has virtually beaten every world champion he has faced."

"I have to give credit to Paul for stepping up to the plate, it's about time someone did...," said Chris Lighty, CEO of Winky Promotions. "We're excited to get Winky back in the ring and pleased that the time is now here. I'm glad we could make this happen. Paul may be younger, but Wink definitely wants it more."

"These are clearly two of the most avoided fighters in boxing over the last decade and for good reason because they are two of the best," said Kery Davis, senior vice president HBO Sports. "This should be a tremendous match up of will and skill."

The name of St. Petersburg, Florida's Winky Wright (51-4-1, 25 KOs) has signified excellence between the ropes for nearly two decades. A former Undisputed Junior Middleweight World Champion who made nine successful defenses of his crown, Wright truly broke through on the world scene in 2004 with back-to-back wins over Sugar Shane Mosley. Not one to rest on his laurels, he moved up to middleweight in 2005 and defeated Puerto Rican superstar Felix "Tito" Trinidad. Although he would suffer a decision loss to Bernard Hopkins in 2007, the 37-year-old southpaw is rested, determined and hungrier than ever for his April 11th showdown with Williams.

"It's been a long time since I've been this motivated and I can't wait until the bell rings," said Wright. "Paul is one of the top young fighters in the game, but he hasn't seen what I've seen or done what I've done. This is my time to shine and I won't let this young fighter steal my spotlight."

Despite the fact that he's only 27 years old, Augusta, Georgia's Paul Williams (36-1, 27 KOs) has done more in eight years in the pro ring than most have done in an entire career. Owner of world titles at welterweight and junior middleweight, Williams is now chasing after glory at middleweight. If his past wins over Antonio Margarito, Carlos Quintana, Sharmba Mitchell and Vernon Phillips are any indication, the 160-pound weight class had better watch out for "The Punisher."

"I am glad that the fight is on," said Williams. "This fight has got a big name. Wright has taken the titles from Champions and I'd love to take his reputation. That would add to my legacy. All I know is that everyone says he has got a good defense and nice jab but that doesn't matter to me - I'm going to get mine in. I'm gonna whoop him and get in there."

The Prospects Of "Real" Champions

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:08:00 +0000

By Tim Starks - http://queensberry-rules.com
JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT (154 lbs.)

#1: Vernon Forrest

#2: Paul Williams

#3: Verno Phillips

Prospects: Bad. First, answer this -- do you want to see Forrest-Williams? I do. I think it'd be a great bout, and maybe it could even attract a crowd in Augusta, Ga., where both men are based. Second, I haven't heard a whisper about it. Forrest is off doing God-knows-what, and Williams is so desperate to find anyone who'll fight him that his next opponent is Winky Wright at middleweight. Third, Williams is havoc on divisional rankings, since he fought at middleweight, junior middleweight and welterweight last year. Fourth, I don't think Forrest-Phillips should even get a mention for filling the vacancy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have to agree with this piece. A unified and recognized 'Undisputed' Champ is very unlikely in the Light-Middle division, at least not one that involves Paul Williams. Not only does PW appear to be interested in fighting in more than one division but the talent pool at 154 is shallower than at both 160 and 147. Also, the 'top' guy at 154, Vernon Forrest, appears to have no interest in getting in the ring with the Punisher.

BoxingScene.com's Updated P4P Rankings

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 19:17:00 +0000

7) Paul Williams (36-1, 27 KO)

Age: 27

Current Title: WBO Junior Welteright Interim Title

Career Titles: Two alphabelt reigns at Welterweight

Last Five Opponents: Verno Phillips, Andy Kolle, Carlos Quintana (twice), Antonio Margarito, Santos Pakau

Next Opponent: April 11, 2009 vs. Winky Wright (51-4-1, 25 KO)

The Take: For twenty years, the only way Verno Phillips missed a final bell was if he sent his opponent home early. In other words, Williams’ stoppage of Phillips in November was an impressive feat. Had Phillips not had to vacate his IBF belt at 154 lbs., it also would have been the start of his third major title reign in his second division. Add to that a tough win over Margarito in July 2007 and a first-loss avenging first round blasting of Quintana and Boxing fans can see in Williams a potentially special fighter. At 6’1, with speed and power, he might be one of the most intimidating presences in Boxing. He’s in line for a shot at undefeated WBO Jr. Middleweight titlist Sergiy Dzinziruk and a win would be impressive. If he could parlay it from there into unification with veteran WBC titlist Vernon Forrest, Williams would have a strong claim to king of the Jr. Middleweight class…and an even better case for the desirable matches with whomever the Kings at Welter and Middleweight will be by then. Before he gets there, Williams will first take on arguably the finest Jr. Middleweight of the decade in a Middleweight fight. Wright may have been off for close to two years, but given the recent form of older fighters like Mosley and Hopkins, Winky has to be seen as live in April.

Statistical Look At Williams/Wright

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:11:00 +0000

By Mark Vester - BoxingScene.com

An early statistical look on the April 11 clash between WBO interm-junior middleweight champion Paul Williams and former champion Ronald "Winky" Wright. The fight will televised by HBO from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Paul Williams

Age: 27
Record: 36-1, 27KOs
Height: 6'2
Reach: 82 inches
Titles Won: WBO welterweight title, WBO interim-junior middleweight title
Key Fights: Antonio Margarito, Carlos Quintana Fight 1 and 2, Sharmba Mitchell, Verno Phillips, Walter Dario Matthysse
Key Wins: Antonio Margarito, Carlos Quintana Fight 2, Sharmba Mitchell, Verno Phillips, Walter Dario Matthysse
Win Streak: 3-0, 3KOs

Winky Wright

Age: 37
Record: 51-4-1, 25KOs
Height: 5'10 1/2
Reach: 72 inches
Titles Won: Undisputed junior middleweight title
Key Fights: Jermain Taylor, Shane Mosley Fight 1 and 2, Bronco McKart Fight 1, 2 and 3, Bernard Hopkins, Sam Soliman, Ike Quartey, Felix Trinidad, Keith Mullings, Harry Simon, Fernando Vargas
Key Wins: Shane Mosley Fight 1 and 2, Bronco McKart Fight 1, 2 and 3, Sam Soliman, Ike Quartey, Felix Trinidad, Keith Mullings
Win Streak: None

Advantages
Power - Williams
Chin - Wright
Skill - Wright
Speed - Williams
Reach - Williams
Height - Williams
Experience - Wright
Stamina - Williams

Betting Favorite - Williams

Media Favorite - Even

Fan Favorite - Even

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Can't argue with any of that. This fight clearly comes down to youth vs. experience. What shouldn't be underestimated is PW's highly underrated chin. Don't forget that he went 12 tough rounds with Antonio Margarito, taking many flush shots from him in rounds 10 and 11. The fact that PW took them very well is even more impressive with the emergence of Margo's "loaded glove" contraversy.

P4P Top 20 from BadLeftHook.com

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:41:00 +0000

5. Paul Williams (6)

Welterweight, junior middleweight, middleweight, whatever. Paul Williams fights at the weight that'll have him. If Williams is able to beat Winky Wright in convincing fashion on April 11, he'll have a case to jump Mosley, even though Wink has been out of the ring for almost two years and is getting on in years. One thing that Williams and his promoters do have to accept is that there are a lot of guys that will pass on the chance to fight him because he can be a stylistic nightmare, but then you have to throw in the fact that Williams has never built a fanbase. How this guy didn't fight in the south more and build up a local legion of fans is beyond me. I know the money is generally elsewhere, but Fernando Guerrero is turning Salisbury, Maryland, into a boxing town, for the love of Pete. People love guys from their area that they can identify with. Paul never did any of that.

Next: Apr. 11 v. Winky Wright

Dzinziruk Picks Wright

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:19:00 +0000

There were discussions for a fight between Dzinziruk and interim titleholder Paul Williams, but they did not come to fruition. Dzinziruk he’s ready to fight, but the Williams camp made unrealistic demands. Williams will instead fight Ronald ‘Winky’ Wright on April 11th at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. “Who will win this fight? Very much a question at issue. I expect good and entertaining fight, but nevertheless I will pick Ronald Wright. He has more experience,” predicted the champion.

Take is for what it is. It's hardly an unbaised opinion.

P4P Ramifications: Williams/Wright

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:53:00 +0000

By Michael Woods - TheSweetScience.com

It’s hard to make a case for yourself as being one of the pound for pound elite when in your last two fights, you’ve faced off with Andy Kolle and Verno Phillips. Lord knows, I intend no disrespect to either man; Phillips especially has put together a long career, and is seen in all circles as a game, durable vet who will give anyone a stern rumble.

But arguing the case for Paul Williams being among the game’s pound for pound elite would be that much easier if he had gloved up against some of the folks that his promoter Dan Goossen has tried to entice into facing off with Long Tall Paul. If Antonio (The Alleged Master of the Plaster Disaster) Margarito had decided to have another go at Williams (instead of taking $2 million less, as Goossen maintains, to fight Mosley), and Williams had beaten him conclusively, that would make Goossen’s case, that RIGHT NOW, Williams should be in the Top 3 on P4P lists, an easier sell.

Or if Oscar De La Hoya, or Shane Mosley, or Kermit Cintron (before Margarito reached down his throat and extracted his gonads in April 2008) had stepped in with Williams, and the Georgian had taken a couple of them out, then Goossen’s contention would go down more smoothly.

“You can be a Cy Young award winner on a last-place team,” is Goossen’s analogy, and he has a bit of a point. In his view, Williams should not be penalized because the sport’s elite have decided it is smarter for them, both monetarily and perhaps physically, to take less dough and fight anyone. Then again, an ace pitcher on a last-place ballclub gets the chance to stack up against other ‘A’ level teams, and pitchers over the course of 162 MLB games, so we are able to compare and contrast his skill-set.
Anyway, it can’t be denied that the lefty with the freakishly long arms has been avoided like the Madoffs at the country club. “Paul’s legacy and his status among the pound for pound best can’t be based on who won’t fight him,” Goossen maintains.

Yes, Goossen and Williams have been having a dickens of a time getting marquee names to sign on the dotted line across from the 27-year-old these last couple of years. And while I think Williams probably deserves to receive more P4P consideration, and will have that by the end of a stellar 2009, it’s a hard sell to TSS Universe. TSS U will point out, if I know them at all, that Williams’ signature win was a disputed victory, over Antonio Margarito in 2007. And his second best win comes over Carlos Quintana, whose own best win had been over Joel Julio, before he snagged a UD12 upset win over Williams in February 2008. And while TSS U gives props for the Henry Armstrong-ish division hopping that Williams has engaged in recently-—he went from welter against Carlos Quintana in June 2008 (TKO1 win) to middleweight against Andy Kolle three months later (TKO1 win)—they’d give the feat higher marks if Kolle were someone like…oh, Winky Wright.

Speaking of which……Wright, who we last saw dropping a UD12 to Bernard Hopkins in July 2007, it turns out he hasn’t transitioned into promotion full time. He still believes that at age 37, despite taking 2008 off, he can knock a young gun like Williams off.
Speaking of whom…

On April 11 in Vegas, we’ll be able to toss some of these strained analogies, and guesses masquerading as theories, because we will see what Winky has left, and what Williams can do against the trickiest foe he has yet faced.

Williams vs. Wright, young gun on the cusp of stardom, versus another of these pesky vets who have decided to neither burn out, nor fade away, and have demanded that the next generation of aspiring all-stars earn their spot by volition, rather than attrition.

Wright has a 51-4 mark, and he hasn’t been stopped in any of those defeats. Goossen thinks that Williams will be the first to stop Winky inside the distance; if Williams is able to do this, then that is a prominent scalp he can boast.

“To Winky’s credit, he’s taking up the challenge,” Goossen said. “It’s a megafight, for both fighters. And you can’t just think about the fight in terms of youth versus age, not after we saw Pavlik/Hopkins and Margarito/Mosley. And you can’t look at the inactivity of Winky, look at Leonard versus Hagler (Leonard was off for three years and beat Hagler in 1987).”

Goossen says we should all be bumping Williams up our P4P lists when Williams takes out Winky. “They’re talking pound for pound top five for Mosley, and Winky has beaten him twice,” he said.

I agree with Goossen. Two and a half years ago, before Williams had an off night against Quintana, and his bandwagon lost about 80% of its passengers, I wrote that Williams was the sort of specimen who would be the type to hand Floyd Mayweather his first loss. It would take someone with exceptional traits: absurd reach, monster cardio, Teflon chin. I still hold to that belief, and think Williams will beat, but not stop the crafty Wright on April 11. He will then advance a few notches on P4P lists, but won’t rocket upwards, because people will point to the crust of rust adhering to Wright. But the win will pretty up Williams’ resume, and force some of those folks who’ve been giving him the Heisman arm to drop the stiff arm, and glove up against Long Tall Paul. This is the most important fight of Williams’ career, because the field is open for new stars to stake their claim.

Back in 2007, Mayweather and De La Hoya’s immense shadows kept the spotlight off up ‘n comers. Now, Manny Pacquiao owns the stage as boxing’s best and brightest. But he casts a 140 pound shadow, and so in a nation which often equates size with supremacy, auditions for some beefier standard-bearers are ongoing. There is a spot on the stage for an American hitter who’s a threat from 147 to 168 pounds, a space with Paul Williams’ name on it, as far as I’m concerned.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Great Article. It's been a constant source of frustration for Paul Williams and his management, not being able to lure the big fish into the ring. Because of that, it has been hard for PW to get any type of P4P notoriety. Ring magazine currently has him ranked at #11 (nothing to be ashamed about) and one of the Ring's official contributors has PW as high as 6. A win against Winky Wright would solidify PW's position as a top 10 P4P fighter and open doors to more major fights. I await April 11th with bated breath.

Can Wright Make It Back?

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 14:15:00 +0000

By JD Camacho, DoghouseBoxing.com

They never come back. That’s one of boxing’s oldest laws. Winky Wright, at one time among boxing’s best, is the next in line to try and defy it against the albatross-like Paul Williams. Wright must contend with a decade-long disadvantage in age and nearly two-years outside the professional game before he even steps into the ring.

On April 11th, Wright will try to duck, block, and slip (but mostly block) punches from the longer, taller Williams. And while Williams may not be as physically tyrannical as Hagler, he does offer imposing dimensions and a worrisome workrate. Williams has also stopped his last three opponents at three different weight classes, an indication of improved punch technique.

Wright, at his most effective, blunted his opponent’s offense with his shell-like defense while ticking out his right jab like a clock hand. The jab drove his foes mad. But fighters, like clocks, can be off. How off is Wright? Many of the very greatest were off when they made their way back. Dave Anderson of the Sydney Morning Herald wrote, in 1987, “Muhammad Ali couldn't come back against Larry Holmes. Joe Louis couldn't come back against Rocky Marciano. Jim Jeffries couldn't come back against Jack Johnson. And middleweight Sugar Ray Robinson lost to Ralph (Tiger) Jones in one of the six bouts in his comeback campaign before dethroning Bobo Olson.” Robinson. Jeffries. Louis. Ali. These are names held in high regard in the boxing world. They were all off - behind rather than ahead. Or, perhaps Wright could glance at his contemporaries as he passes them by. Jones. Trinidad. De La Hoya. All great fighters in their day, but as they walk into the sunset they perhaps carry with them the knowledge of too much time off, too much inactivity, and too much wasted time.

Two more months await Winky Wright before he reaches the destination. Two more months of age and idleness to add to his body. Two more months for Wright to find his way.

April 11th, It's Official

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:33:00 +0000

By Mark Vester - BoxingScene.com

After some minor tweaking, Paul Williams (36-1, 27KOs) vs. Winky Wright (51-4-1, 25KOs) has been finalized for April 11 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. HBO will televise the fight. Williams, the current WBO interim-junior middleweight champion, will move up to 160-pounds to fight Wright, who is a former undisputed champion at 154 and fighting for the first time since a July 07 decision loss to Bernard Hopkins.

Williams is hoping that a win over Wright will inch him in the direction of a major fight. He wants Shane Mosley, and Wright has two strong wins over Mosley. In 2008, Williams began to make his point of fighting any opponent at any weight by jumping between welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight. Wright is in dire need of a big win. He stayed on the sidelines for too long and a win over Williams would put him back in the mix for big fights.

"This gives Paul Williams that name fighter, it puts him up atop the heap as the most preeminent fighter from 147 pounds to 160. Fighting a guy who's been avoided too gives him a great opportunity to show his dominance again," Goossen told The Los Angeles Times.

Williams-Wright Fight Is Finalized

noreply@blogger.com (Bdub) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 13:44:00 +0000

By Lance Pugmire
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com

Promoters Dan Goossen and Richard Schaefer just confirmed to me on the telephone that a 160-pound fight between former world welterweight champion Paul Williams and ex-super-welterweight champion Winky Wright has been finalized for April 11 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

HBO will televise the bout, Goossen said.

Williams (36-1, 27 knockouts) last beat Verno Phillips by eigth-round technical knockout in Ontario, and Goossen often refers to the tall left-hander as the most-avoided fighter in boxing.

Wright (51-4-1, 25 KOs) has made the same claim after defeating the likes of Shane Mosley (twice) and Felix Trinidad, but Wright has also been notoriously difficult to come to terms with and he hasn't fought since his July 2007 loss to Bernard Hopkins.

"This gives Paul Williams that name fighter, it puts him up atop the heap as the most preeminent fighter from 147 pounds to 160," Goossen said. "Fighting a guy who's been avoided too gives him a great opportunity to show his dominance again."

Goossen said the fighters will split the purse 50-50, but he declined to say how much money is in the pot.