Fight finalized between Paul Williams and Sergio Martinez
A tried and tested scorcher of a rematch between Argentinean WBC middleweight titlist Sergio Martinez (45-2, 24 KOs) and acclaimed southpaw Paul Williams (39-1, 27 KOs) is “done for Nov 20” and will be
in either Atlantic City or Washington D.C.
The two middleweights fought a non-title bout in December of last year that had Williams victorious in a close decision. It won praise as fight of the year.
Martinez’s promoter Lou Dibella refused comments other than to say to Boxing Fanhouse that “I’m certain that the fight is going to be a go.” Williams’s promoter, Dan Goossen has not commented.
HBO will televise the bout.
While a deal has yet to be signed by both parties, sources with knowledge reported that "there are no outstanding deal points,” and that “everything has been agreed to.”
Sources also suggested Atlantic City is the leading city for the bout, which will take place at a catch weight of 157lb.
The first bout between the inspired controversy as many considered Martinez the winner. Both fighters were surprisingly knocked down in the first round, with Martinez able to capitalize in the next few
rounds. Williams caught up in middle rounds, and the fight became a certified punch fest with neither slowing down and both connecting with stunning accuracy.
Controversy was compounded by judging results. While Julie Lederman scored the bout an even 114-114, Pierre Benoist scored it 119-110 in favour of Williams, with Lynn Carter at 115-113 Williams.
Since their first fight, Martinez defeated then WBC/WBO middleweight titlist Kelly Pavlik in April. However, because he was already WBC junior middleweight champion, there was a conflict of titles (fighters
cannot possess titles in different weight classes) and Martinez was stripped of his WBO middleweight crown after failing to respond to the WBO within 10 days regarding the title he wished to honour. Martinez did however inform the WBC that he would keep the
middleweight title and vacate the WBC junior middleweight.
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