Boxing

 

O'Neil Bell Survives Knockdown, KOs Arthur Williams

By Paul-John Ramos

09.11 - Las Vegas, Nevada - Highly-regarded cruiserweight O'Neil Bell retained his NABF title and picked up the vacant USBA version as he forced a ninth-round stoppage of journeyman Arthur Williams in the Stratosphere Hotel's outdoor pavilion.

Friday evening's bout was a rematch between the 27-year-old Bell (20-1-1, 19 KOs) and the 37-year-old Williams (36-8-1, 26 KOs), who fought for Bell's NABF strap in September of last year. That get-together ended via an eleventh-round TKO of Williams, when Bell's youth and superior agility took full command. With Bell gaining in experience and Williams being another year closer in age to the big 4-0, the second result was of little difference.

The result shows Bell as having a bright future in our thin cruiserweight division, with only Vassiliy Jirov, James Toney, and perhaps Wayne Braithwaite legitimately vying for the top spot. But Bell also showed right out of the starting gate that he has much to learn before cracking that list. Two minutes into the bout, Williams, who has fought Dwight Qawi, Chris Byrd, and Jirov in yesteryear, showed his power by knocking Bell down with a straight right hand. Bell, who was leaving himself open and rabbit-jabbing to that point, was given a wake-up call and tightened his stance in round two. Williams, however, still frustrated Bell through much of the early rounds with constant pressure and his awkward style. Bell got off enough solid punches to even the scores by round six before will power again tilted the momentum in Williams' direction. Williams, 189 ½, Pensacola, Florida, often looked dreadful, stomping his way ahead and leaving himself off-balance when throwing right hooks, but his stubborn effort was enough to build a lead against Bell, 190, Atlanta, Georgia, going into round nine.

Father Time caught up with King Arthur in that ninth round, when a right uppercut crunched Williams' chin, which was followed by a right hook to the face and two rights to the top of his head. Williams went down hard and got back up by the count of nine, only to be greeted by a swarm of punches from Bell. The fight was stopped inside the final 1:30 by referee Kenny Bayless, perhaps prematurely, although it seemed that Williams had been too badly damaged to last much longer.

The NABF title has belonged to Bell for almost two years, rather unusual for a stepping-stone belt. The opportunities should be coming to Bell in due time - Providing he plays defense for all twelve rounds instead of just eleven.

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