Although Paul Williams is ready to show the world he’s still a top contender when he faces Nobuhiro Ishida on February 18, don’t expect the Punisher to afterward consider a rematch with Erislandy Lara.
In a recent conference call for his first fight in seven months, Williams stated he hopes to face the same Ishida who looked formidable in blasting out a previoulsy undefeated James Kirkland in one round.
“That was his night. You can’t fault anybody for coming in there like he did and he won and he knocked him out,” said Williams. “I have to give him his props for that. He did what not a lot of guys have been able to do. Coming up on this fight on the 18 I know he’s in the best shape and he’s going to try and go out and repeat that again.”
“I’m going to show my fans that I’m not done. They will always try and write you off but I will show them that I’m not done. Every time I get into the ring I try and make a statement.”
Talks of Paul Williams being done as a top fighter escalated last July when he faced Lara, who repeatedly caught him flush with counter left hands and appeared to dominate the bout. Williams’ decision win was widely panned by critics and fans as a robbery, leading to the New Jersey State Athletic Commission suspending several of the fight’s judges.
Despite the unresolved issues from that bout, Williams made it clear he believed Lara has not earned a rematch with him.
“I have no reason to fight (Lara) again,” he explained. “He didn’t get any fame and glory for winning that fight. All he got is me having a bad night. That’s about it. If he had gone out and gotten a title then I would definitely like to fight him again.”
Paul Williams vs. Nobuhiro Ishida will air on Showtime.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 