Paul Williams- 33-1 (24KOs)
Paul Williams (born July 27, 1981, in Aiken, South Carolina) is an American boxer. Nicknamed The Punisher, Williams is a former WBO Welterweight champion. At 6ft 2 tall and with 81" reach, Paul is an extremely tall southpaw fighter.
Paul got his start in boxing from the suggestion of a family friend who saw him fight in a school bus. The driver suggested that Paul use his energy in the boxing gym, and connected him with a manager and trainer. Williams fought only 20-25 fights as an amateur before turning pro at the age 19.
His debut was in 2000. He is promoted by the Goossens. In 2005 he outpointed amateur star Terrence Cauthen (record 25-2), later that year he knocked out Alfonso Sanchez in 5 rounds. His ESPN debut was a second round knockout of Sergio Rios on Wednesday Night Fights. Williams made his HBO debut against undefeated Walter Matthysse winning by a tenth round technical knockout, followed by a victory over former junior welterweight world champion Sharmba Mitchell. He knocked Mitchell down three times en route to a fourth round TKO.
Williams became the mandatory challenger for WBO welterweight champion Antonio Margarito. The match occurred July 14, 2007, in Carson, California, at the Home Depot Center. Williams defeated Margarito in an action-packed fight. Williams averaged over 100 punches per round, and sweeped most of the early round before Margarito made a late charge. The final scorecards were 115-113, 115-113 and 116-112 all in favour of Williams. Williams reign as WBO champion was short lived, in his first defence he lost the title to Carlos Quintana via UD. The final judges scorecards were 116-112, 116-112 & 115-113.
Following his first defeat, Williams future is in doubt. Despite fighting at 147lbs, on fight night he usually weighs in around 170lbs, suggesting that perhaps a move up in weight will be needed soon.
Updated by LeedsLad (02/10/08)