Boxer, Paul Williams Paralyzed in Motorcycle Crash

The boxing community and fans received a double dose of tragic news this past weekend. First there was the death of five time boxing champion, Johnny Tapia. Tapia, 45, was found dead in his home on May, 27 2012. On the same day boxer, Paul Williams was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash in Atlanta, Georgia. Williams apparently swerved to avoid a car while traveling at a high rate on speed on the motorcycle, and was thrown in the air. Williams spinal cord was severed when he landed, and he is now paralyzed from the waist down. Despite the tragic incident, Williams is said to be in good spirits.

Paul Williams

Williams, 30, who is known as “The Punisher” was once considered the “most avoided fighter” in boxing at one point. At the height of 6 foot 1, he was considered very tall for the weight divisions he fought in(Welterweight, Light Middleweight, and Middleweight). He is a two time WBO Welterweight Champion, and has also held the WBO Light Middleweight belt. Some of William’s notable named victories include: Antonio Margarito, Sergio Martinez, and Kermit Cintron. Williams fought Martinez again in a rematch in late 2010, and was viciously knocked out in the second round. He made a comeback to the ring in July of 2011 to face Cuban boxer, Erislandy Lara. In a fight that myself, along with many others felt that Williams lost, the judges gave him the victory by majority decision. William’s latest bout took place in February of this year against, Nobuhiro Ishida. Williams went on to defeat Ishida by unaminous decision.

It appears that William’s boxing career is over at the age of 30. What’s even more unfortunate is that Williams had just recently signed a deal to face young Mexican sensation, Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in September. Williams has made his first statement since the accident saying “I’m going to be walking, I know that”. My thoughts and prayers are with Paul Williams. I hope he has a speedy recovery, and is able to walk again someday. Thanks for reading.  

If you enjoyed reading this, check out these other boxing articles I’ve written:

Paul Williams vs. Erislandy Lara postfight thoughts: http://sportales.com/boxing/paul-williams-vs-erislandy-lara-post-fight-thoughts/

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. returning to the ring: http://sportales.com/sports/boxer-floyd-mayweather-jr-is-returning-to-ring/

Floyd Mayweather Jr vs. Victor Ortiz post fight thoughts: http://sportales.com/boxing/floyd-mayweather-jr-vs-victor-ortiz-post-fight-thoughts/

Is Floyd Mayweather scared to fight Manny Pacquiao: http://sportales.com/boxing/is-floyd-mayweather-scared-to-fight-manny-pacquiao/

References: 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Williams_(boxer)

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/paul-williams-im-going-walking-fans-094100519–box.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_Tapia

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-0529-boxing-20120529,0,6207225.story

http://www.supersport.com/boxing/international/news/120529/Paul_Williams_paralysed_in_bike_crash