23.11.06 – Back in August, Paul ‘The Punisher’ Williams – fresh off a four-round destruction of former two-time world champion Sharmba Mitchell – and the #1 contender in the WBO Welterweight division, called out WBO Welterweight Champion Antonio Margarito.
It fell on deaf ears.
After disposing of his most recent opponent — New Zealander Santos Pakau, who had won 29 of his 32 pro fights — on the Floyd Mayweather-Carlos Baldomir undercard on November 4 in Las Vegas, the undefeated, hard-hitting southpaw (32-0, 24 KOs) from Aiken, South Carolina declared that he was more than ready to dish out his brand of punishment to Margarito and come away with his WBO championship belt. But this time Margarito has no choice but to listen. Williams is now the WBO mandated fight for Margarito..
Margarito (33-4, 24 KOs), a 28-year-old native of Tijuana, Mexico who has not responded to several challenges made by the 25-year old Williams, opted instead to request an optional defense from the WBO to next defend his title against Ghana native Joshua Clottey in Atlantic City, New Jersey on the undercard of a December 2 show headlined by Miguel Cotto, rather than facing Williams.
“I’ve worked very hard for this opportunity and I plan on breaking all the Punch-Stat records against him (Margarito),” Williams, who is managed and trained by George Peterson, and advised by Alan Haymon, asserted. “He is my main target for punishment and I want him and his belt real bad. Margarito says he will fight anyone in the welterweight division, yet he hasn’t proven to be so accommodating, especially with me. I just hope he doesn’t blow it against Clottey.”
Williams’ promoter, Dan Goossen, concurs that his hot prospect is ready to dethrone Margarito early next year.
“Paul Williams has gotten better and better with each and every fight,” Goossen observed. “His last few fights he has showed patience, strength, a solid chin and most importantly, poise in wearing down very resilient opponents in (Walter ) Matesse, Mitchell, and Pakau; methodically beating them down, round after round. He really is a punisher.
“Paul is ready to take on anyone, but he has specifically targeted Margarito. Once the fans start seeing his exciting style and constant throwing of punches, they too will become rabid Paul Williams’ fans.
Come 2007; be warned to get ready for your dose of ‘Capital Punishment!’