Brick City Boxing

Just what heights can Paul Williams reach?
By: Tim Crowley

That is the question to be answered this Saturday night as Paul Williams, who has become one of the most feared fighters in the welterweight division, takes on Carlos Quintana, a genuine barometer for welterweight potential.

Quintana & Williams with Mr. Goosen. (Photo: Jan Sanders)

Williams has looked impressive in all of his fights, and has stood out noticeably because of his enormous height and reach (6’2” — 82”). He has a high punch output and a comfort in the ring that exhibits a solid amateur background, and he has compiled an excellent pro record of 33-0 with 24 knockouts.

Williams’ excellent boxing skills are stretched into a huge frame for a welterweight, and his coordinated footwork and ability to keep opponents at bay with his long arms have many wondering if he could be the next king of the welterweights. His physical appearance is truly unique; he almost looks like a giant scarecrow with his lanky bones. But once he starts boxing, it becomes apparent that he carries the frame naturally and with strength.

In his most celebrated victory to date, Williams took a unanimous decision over Antonio Margarito for the WBO welterweight title in July ’07. It showed he had the stamina and skills to outbox a championship pressure fighter, and Williams also showed heart in weathering the Tornadoe’s late comeback attempt.

But though Williams is regarded as one of the best welterweights today, the suspicion is that he may be stretched too thin, and if a vicious puncher gets inside and goes to the body, Williams will topple.

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