This Saturday, November 20, at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez will defend his title against Paul “The Punisher” Williams in a rematch of their December 5, 2009 slugfest which had both fighters knocked down in round one and Williams winning by majority decision after twelve back-and-forth rounds. Las Vegas odds have the fight a virtual pick’em, with Williams as a light favorite at 6:5. It is 3:1 that the fight goes the distance and 5:2 it ends early. World Champions, former superstar World Champions, and entertainers have provided their insight to their predictions:
Former World Champions
“I am familiar with both fighters and believe it is 50-50 pick em. Both fighters have good hand speed and both have punching power. Williams has height and reach advantage and Sergio has slightly more power. I am looking forward to seeing a great fight. Great event for HBO .” – Sugar Ray Leonard, World Champion in 5 Weight Divisions
“Paul Williams by a decision! If he keeps his head up this time should be an easier fight for him.” – George Foreman, Two-Time World Heavyweight Champion
“Sergio is a great fighter and Paul is very skilled, but it all comes down to conditioning for this fight. This is going to be an exciting fight that we haven’t seen in a long time, well worth our money. I predict it will go the distance and the man in the best condition will be victorious.” – Tommy Hearns, World Champion in 5 Weight Divisions
Entertainment
“If it’s anything like the first fight it!! Should be the fight of the year! I wouldn’t miss it for the world…Martinez!!” – Actor Mark Wahlberg
“In the Words, of the great Rocky Balboa” I don’t Wanna Lose what I got.” Sergio is A champ that is strong and quick and just won’t quit. KO in the 8th Sergio over Paul!” –
Actor Andre Royo, The Wire
Current Boxers
“I think Williams is going to stop him this time and live up to his name, The Punisher. He knows what he has to do and use that reach to take care of business. I think it is either a TKO or KO before the 10th round.” – Bernard Hopkins, Former Undisputed Middleweight Champion
“I like Martinez in a rematch. He appears to be a little more skillful to me.” – Roy Jones, Jr, World Champion in 4 Weight Divisions
“That is going to be a great fight. Sergio is going to give Paul everything he can handle, but Paul has a lot of vengeance from the last fight. It’s going to be a very entertaining, action-packed bout, and Paul will come out on top.” – Andre Berto, WBC Welterweight Champion
“Going to be a great rematch but I think Williams might pull it off with a KO or majority decision, usually does well with his rematches and Martinez hasn’t had many” – Amir Khan, WBA Jr. Welterweight Champion
“Both of these guys are great talents, but I think Martinez has shown his skills and power are the superior to Williams. I think Williams looses by 10th round TKO!” – Peter Mandfredo, two-Time World Champion
“I feel Paul Williams will beat him unanimously this time around. I’ve heard Sergio was 176 pounds just a few days ago and needs to be at 157 is allot for a 36 year old.” – Sergio Mora, Former Jr. Middleweight World Champion
Hometown Scribe
“I’ll also pick Martinez to beat Williams by decision in the rematch. Beating Kelly Pavlik put Sergio on the next level in my view.” – Dave Weinberg, Press of Atlantic City
