New York, NY – The hits keep on coming this weekend when HBO delivers it’s third and possible best match up of a four card month. In reprise of their 2009 artistic display of battery, WBC and WBO middleweight (160 lbs) champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (45-2-2, 24 KOs) will attempt to defend his crown against former welterweight (147) belt holder Paul “Punisher” Williams (39-1, 27 KOs) over 12 rounds or less at a “catch weight” of 158 pounds from Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, live, Saturday on HBO at 10 PM ET.
2009 FIGHT OF THE YEAR FOR SURE!
In what has hell to pay for both participants, the fight of the year 2009 was a joy for fans. By featuring frequent assaults of feverish combinations with bad intent, splitting knockdowns in the first round, staggering each other on numerous occasions, and giving their all, their first epic showcased everything that is brilliant about of the sport of boxing. Albeit the result rendered controversy (W Williams UD 12), the first bout was an extremely competitive affair. Now, with titles on the line, and each man’s poise to separate himself from the other; the rematch could prove to be even more explosive.
MARTINEZ A PROVEN COMMODITY
Fresh off his amazing display of intestinal fortitude in theIR first fight, a closely contested war with Paul Williams, Sergio Martinez went on to keep the fans buzzing about his blistering style when he beat on former belt holder Kelly Pavilk like a rock music drummer for 12 rounds. As showcased in past bouts, highly avoided Martinez is a southpaw with speed and power in both hands that can cause fits and create problems for even the most decorated boxer. Before his shoot out with Williams, Sergio’s previous loss was over nine years ago against Antonio Margarito (L TKO 7).
PROOF BE IN THE PUNISHMENT
William’s difficulty of getting people into the ring has rendered him as “the fighter no one wants to face.” Despite his woes, Williams has managed to compile a stacked resume of wins against the “who’s who” in two weight classes and now campaigns at middleweight. Williams showcased his explosively versatile style by beating down the then invincible Antonio Maragrito over 12 rounds for a unanimous decision. In his next outing against Carlos Quintana, Williams was upset on points. Paul would quickly rebound from the setback and avenge his loss against Quintana with sensational first round knockout in the rematch. Paul also has wins over Winky Wright (UD 12), Verno Phillips (TKO 8), and Sharmba Mitchell (KO 4).
WINNER TO BE RECOGNIZED AS #1 AT 160
Both men have no qualms in showing why they are among the most dangerous and avoided fighters in the world when they wage war in this affair of vigorous combat for middleweight supremacy and worldwide notoriety.
John Signorella