Paul Williams: “I want the top names in boxing!”

By Matt Yanofsky

WBO welterweight champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams 34-1 (25 KO’s) has been an interested on looker the last couple of weeks as some big fights have taken places in the welterweight division. Williams, who has a July 2007 win over the new #1 fighter in the division Antonio Margarito could explore a potential rematch or go after another intriguing fight with newly crowned IBF kingpin Joshua Clottey. I had the opportunity to talk to Williams about his thoughts on the recent happenings in the division as well as his future plans.


MY: Paul what’s going on? First off I’d like to congratulate you on your first round KO victory over Carlos Quintana in June. There is no better way to silence the critics after a tough loss than returning to stop the opponent who beat you in the first round (much like Roy Jones Jr did against Montell Griffin). Obviously you expected to win the rematch, but in your wildest dreams, did you think you would have been able to stop him that quickly?

PW: We knew once we hit him something was gona happen. He froze up after I hit him so that’s how it happened. I didn’t think it’d be the first round though.

MY: When you were beaten by Quintana in February, it was a major upset as he was not considered a serious threat to dethrone you. What happened to Paul Williams the night of February 9th 2008?

PW: I was just off my game plan (that night). I couldn’t get up for him for some reason. Some days you have it some days you don’t. It didn’t go my way in the first fight but the rematch erased everything.

MY: As we all know, there have been some major shake ups in the welterw eight division the last two weeks as two new champions have been crowned. What is your assessment on the Margarito-Cotto and Judah-Clottey fights?

PW: I didn’t get to see either of the fights yet as I was busy with other things.

MY: You beat Margarito in a competitive fight last summer. Is a rematch with him something you now heavily covet, especially because it is much more lucrative then it was just a few weeks ago?

PW: We offered him an immediate rematch in 07 but he didn’t take it. Now he has two big time wins and a hot streak. We would love a rematch since the fans want to see it.

MY: Joshua Clottey is now considered been the holder if the title you once had as the most avoided fighter in the welterweight division. Would you consider a fight with Clottey due to the fact you know what it’s like to be avoided?

PW: I know what its like (to be in that position), but Clottey isn’t well known enough for me yet. If my manager (Al Haymon) puts it together ill do it but I want someone bigger like Cotto, De La Hoya, or Margarito because its time to get paid. It’d be a good fight with Clottey but I want a bigger name.

MY: Let’s jump out of the division for a moment. You were on the list of potential opponents for a fall bout with middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik prior to his going with Bernard Hopkins. Pavlik’s promoter Bob Arum said you and your promoter Dan Goossen priced yourself out of the fight. What is your take on that?

PW: We didn’t price ourselves out! That was just another excuse for them to not to fight us.

MY: Although the welterweight division is as hot as any in boxing, many wonder how much longer you can make the weight due to your 6’1 frame. How much longer do you plan to stay at 147 lbs?

PW: I am planning to stay at 147 lbs until I get what I want, which is to fight the top guys. I just left the gym and I weighed 153 and that’s without me even training hard. If I get into training mode ill make 147 easy. If I move up in weight, it’s e ven more trouble for the opponents because ill be stronger and get to eat.

MY: What is the plan for the rest of 2008 as well as 2009 for Paul “The Punisher” Williams?

PW: In 2008 I’d love to fight Margarito but he’s talking about fighting Zab or Clottey so he’s looking for a way around me. In 2009 im looking for anyone from 147 lbs to 168! I just want to lock down every weight class.

MY: Paul thanks for your time. What do you have to say in closing to your fans and the readers of 15rounds.com?

PW: I appreciate all the support (from the fans) when im on top and when im struggling. I plan to excite the crowd so it’s worth paying money to watch me. I love the support and ill give it back to them by entertaining.