By Muhammad Mushtaq: While the world awaits for the clash between WBO welterweight champion, Manny Pacquiao, and the pound-for-pound census number one, Floyd Mayweather Jr., many fans, like myself wonder why Paul Williams is not being considered as an opponent to Mayweather’s ranking. Many feel that “the most avoided boxer in the world” has the physical tools to bother a shorter boxer like Mayweather, and that his style can make it difficult for Mayweather to use his signature counter shots.
With a reach at 82 inches, which is larger than heavyweight Wladamir Klitschko’s, Williams can pose a threat to any boxer at 147, 154, 160, or possibly even 168 out there. Bear in mind that Williams does have one loss on his resume, a decision loss against Carlos Quintana, which he later avenged in knocking out the Puerto Rican in one round.
According to Manny Pacquiao’s trainer, the world renowned Freddie Roach, the “shoulder roll” technique that Mayweather uses as his defense, does not work against a southpaw. Remember that Paul Williams’ reach is 82 inches, and he will easily be able to box from the outside and catch Mayweather with his superb jab. Another problem he presents Mayweather is that both are counter punchers, and considering that Williams’ will have the height and reach advantage in this fantasy match-up, Mayweather will have to lead for the first time in a long time, if not ever.
This fight will obviously not bring as much money as the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, but it will challenge Floyd Mayweather’s undefeated record as or even more than the Pacquiao fight.
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