Paul Williams used to be one of the most feared boxers in the world. Standing at 6 foot 1 and compressed into a 160 lb. Frame, Williams went on to become a two-division world champion and one of the most entertaining boxers of our time.
On 23, May 2012, Williams signed a deal to fight Saul “Canelo” Alvarez on Sept 15, which would have been the biggest payday of his professional career. Two weeks later, Williams’s life changed forever.
While in Marietta, Georgia to see his brother get married, Williams, 30, crashed his motorcycle and was paralyzed from the waist down, but he has never given up his goal of making a comeback in boxing, although it could be completely impossible.
Williams has always been known for his sunny optimism and candid comments. In February 2015, Williams was interviewed by FightHype.com about the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. He remained candid as always that he was going to be the one that gave Mayweather his first professional loss.
“I don’t want anybody to beat him now. That’s me being a little selfish. I wanted to be the one to get in the ring with him and give my skills a chance to see how well my skills matched up with his skills. Since I never got that opportunity, I don’t want him to lose. I want to go out as the king,” said Williams.
A month later, Tha Boxing Voice videographer Sean Zittel caught up with the former champion and asked who he was leaning towards, Mayweather or Pacquiao? It’s not the answer you expected.
“Paul Wills (himself),” said Williams smiling. “That’s a fight that of course you would love to go see, but with me as a boxing fan and being a fighter, I wanted to get that chance to be the one to knock him off the throne. I don’t want to see him (Mayweather) lose. I hate to say that because most fighters want to see the best man win. I want it to be a good fight.”
Paul Williams still has the competitive fire in him that made him so exciting to watch. To see his tremendous courage is a beautiful thing to see. It would be a miracle if he could overcome paralysis and fight again. To support Paul Williams, visit www.paulthepunisher.com, or follow him on Instagram at PaulThePunisher#1.
