…INSTEAD OF KELLY PAVLIK
New York, NY– Due to champion Kelly Pavlik’s (35-1 31 KOs) ongoing hand injury, a great middleweight (160 lb) fight featuring Paul Williams (37-1 27 KOs) was canned for the second time this year. The unfortunate turn of events now has opened a door of opportunity for jr. middleweight (154) Sergio Martinez (44-1-2 24 KOs).
MARTINEZ ON A HELL OF A STREAK
Martinez shouldn’t be a tougher assignment than Pavlik, but Martinez still may be good enough to pull off the upset. His record is solid but he’s not a big puncher. Which means this fight will likely go the distance. Unfortunately the excitement level of this fight is nowhere near the original match up Williams had with Pavlik but it should be a good test for both fighters.
WHAT ABOUT A LETDOWN?
The only concern I have regarding Williams is will he suffer an emotional letdown from the two cancellations with Pavlik?
IS MARTINEZ SHINED WITH KERMIT
Martinez has registered only one loss via knockout loss at the ‘infamous hands’ of Antonio Margarito. But that was almost ten years ago. Since then he has beaten all of his opponents including his last opponent Kermit Cintron (32-2-1 28KOs). Unfortunately for Martinez he was robbed that night and it was officially ruled a draw. To add insult to injury Martinez may have also been robbed of a knockout. With a punch that was somehow ruled a head butt, he relieved Cintron of his equilibrium for well over a ten count. Sergio’s only solace is the fact that he got to keep his belt and didn’t record a defeat.
JUST MORE “OFFICE WORK” FOR PW?
I pick Williams to win this bout, although on paper it won’t be pretty. Martinez should put up a good fight, but it likely won’t do much for an exciting bout in the end. Simply put, Williams wins on points. It’s about time Williams gets a shot at some big names who are in their prime. Although it’s less likely that Williams will find a top tier opponent at welterweight (147), he has a lot of options if he also is able to also consider catches north of 160 and the super middleweight (168) division, who’s round robin of stars are currently in the midst of a tournament.
Jarrad Woods