Paul The Punisher Williams (33-0-24 Ko's) commemorated the holiday of Bastille Day by defeating and ending the reign of terror of WBO Welterweight Champion Antonio "The Tijuana Tornado" Margarito (34-5,1 NC,24 Ko's), the undefeated and World Boxing Organization (WBO) No. 1 welterweight contender
Billed as "Pride N Punishment", the long-awaited, highly anticipated 12-round confrontation between arguably the hardest-punching, most bitter rivals in the 147-pound division was presented by Goossen Tutor Promotions and televised on HBO World Championship Boxing, in an outdoor tennis stadium at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
The winner of this fight is the preeminent welterweight in the world -- and that includes (Miguel) Cotto or anyone else in the 147-pound division, the events promoter, Dan Goossen, said.
ANTONIO MARGARITO
"The time is here for me to continue keeping my title।Everything has been great. I have had no injuries. I am 100 percent ready for any type of fight. This is not going to be a great fight, I know that Williams is a great fighter who throws a lot of punches. I am hoping that Williams throws a lot of punches because it is going to be a great fight. I am not looking at this fight to go the distance. I will finish Williams in the seventh round."
PAUL WILLIAMS
"I am going to punish Margarito. I am ready to get it on. I guess I will knock Margarito out in the seventh round.I am going to prove on Saturday that I am the best. That is why I am fighting the best. On July 14, you are going to see something that you have never seen before in the ring.Every time I get into the ring, I am 100 percent. I am always ready to go to war."
Experts favor Margarito
Franklin McNeil, The Star-Ledger Newark, N.J., (Williams): Williams made a lot of noise when he called out Margarito. He seems to have little to say now that the fight's been made -- maybe it's concentration, maybe not. If Williams isn't having second thoughts, he will win. His size and punching power will prove too much for Margarito, who is only holding the WBO welterweight title today because Joshua Clottey's hands failed him in December. Williams wins a decision.
Zachary Levin, Boxing News UK, (Margarito): Paul Williams is way over hyped. Who has he fought? What has he proven? As usual, Margarito is getting paid short shrift going into a big fight. All Tony does is win. Don't people get this? He may give up some early rounds, even the first five. But, eventually, he will start getting to Williams and the difference between the two will tell, just as it did against Clottey. Margarito retains his WBO belt by clear-cut decision or late stoppage.
Jacqui Snow, Myspace Boxing Group, groups.myspace.com/boxing, (Margarito): This will be a tough fight for Williams. Margarito, who's rumored to walk around at about 170, is taller and bigger than any of Williams' previous opponents. He's also fought a better level of opposition. Margarito's relentless pressure attacks will be too much for Williams, who will succumb late in the fight. Margarito wins by TKO 10.
