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Misc Boxing/MMA Boxing Archive Interview: Paul "The Punisher" Williams
Written by Scott Swerbinsky

Scott Swerbinsky
Paul "The Punisher" Williams is one of the top fighters in the 147 pound division. He is also in the discussion when it comes to top ten pound for pound fighters in the world today.  His career record is currently 34-1 with 25 of those wins coming by knockout, and his most notable win was over Antonio Margarito back in July of 2007. Now that Margarito is on top of the world with his victory over Miguel Cotto, will he want a rematch with Paul Williams? My cuz recently had the chance to speak with The Punisher on this topic and a few others. Paul "The Punisher" Williams is one of the top fighters in the 147 pound division. He is also in the discussion when it comes to top ten pound for pound fighters in the world today.

Back in February, Williams suffered his first defeat to Carlos Quintana in a hard fought twelve round decision . Just four months later, he got revenge and made very quick work of Quintana with a vicious first round technical knockout.

His career record is currently 34-1 with 25 of those wins coming by knockout. His most notable win was over Antonio Margarito back in July of 2007. Now that Margarito is on top of the world with his victory over Miguel Cotto, will he want a rematch with Paul Williams? I recently had the chance to speak with The Punisher on this topic and a few others.

SS: Paul, it's good to catch up with you, how is everything?

PW: Everything is good right now sir, thank you.

SS: I know there is a lot of buzz right now surrounding your 147 pound division, who is your next opponent going to be?

PW: Well, right now there is a 4 million dollar offer on the table to Margarito for us to have a rematch. It's been on the table for a few days. He made just over 1 million in our first fight and a little more versus Cotto.

SS: I'd like to see that fight go down but if it doesn't, who else do you have in mind?

PW: I have a mandatory for my belt, I'm not even sure of his name. I just want to fight, that's what I do. I fight anyone from 147 pounds all the way up to 168.

SS: I know there were discussions regarding you and Kelly Pavlik fighting, what happened with that?

PW: I think they were just making excuses. Goosen (Paul's promoter) said they had a verbal agreement in place for that fight. Now he's fighting Hopkins. They knew if he fought me it would be a much tougher fight.

SS: With all the talk about you in so many different weight classes, what is your preference?

PW: I'm most comfortable at 147 pounds. I like that weight. If I have to, I'll move up to 154 all the way to 168. My fans deserve to see action fights and that's what I'll give them, no matter what weight class.

SS: What weight do you typically walk around at?

PW: I feel good at 158 pounds. That's pretty much my normal weight. I'm always in shape and training so it isn't too hard for me to stay around there.

SS: What were your thoughts on the Miguel Cotto vs Antonio Margarito fight?

PW: I didn't watch it. I was with my family celebrating my birthday. People were calling me and telling what happened though.

SS: Do you watch the big fights when they're on?

PW: I don't. I prefer to be with my family. I might catch the replays if there on but I don't make a point to watch them. Maybe it's because I've been around it so long.

SS: Your last time out, you avenged your first and only loss to Carlos Quintana. What was the difference the second time around?

PW: The first time I was letting him get his shots off first and hold me. The second fight I needed to take control and I did. I threw some shots to the body and landed my uppercuts.

SS: If you get the fight you want with Margarito, what will you do different, if anything, in the rematch?

PW: I'll throw a lot more power shots. He'll feel my power that I supposedly don't have.

SS: You're still a young fighter at the age of 27, what has been the highlight of your career so far?

PW: Probably being a two time world champion. Also, how well I can deal with the pressure. I came off of my loss and was okay with it. I lost, now let's do the rematch. Too many fighters can't take the fact they loss. Deal with it and move on.

SS: We saw well you moved on with that vicious knockout.  Hopefully you get that big fight you're looking for. Thanks for taking the time to speak with me, I enjoyed it.

PW: No problem at all, thank you sir.

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