James Kirkland might replace Paul Williams against Saul Alvarez – Boxing News
After a tragic accident that left his lower body paralysed, Paul Williams will no longer be competing against Saul Alvarez on September 15. The fight between both the fighters was cancelled the very next day of the accident. However, since it was a major
pay-per-view, things had to be worked out, and now there is news that southpaw James Kirkland might be the replacement for Paul Williams.
Paul Williams had to challenge Alvarez for the WBC title but now it seems like Kirkland will be the man doing so. Negotiations between Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, and Michael Miller, manager for Kirkland, are on their way. If things work
out, Alvarez who stands with 40 wins, 0 loss and 29 knockouts, will face Kirkland, who stands with 30 wins, 1 loss, 1 tie and 27 knockouts, as challenger.
Miller was asked about the status of the fight and he replied, “God bless Paul Williams. We all wish him well. But somebody's got to step up and take his place. I would say that we're at 70-30 in terms of making a deal, or probably 24 hours away from an
announcement. Both sides wanted it. Cameron, me, James, [Kirkland's trainer] Anne [Wolfe,] and the whole team on our side and, of course Golden Boy. Because not only do they want the fight, that's probably the last, really sellable fight for pay per view.”
He further said that doctors have already given James the green signal, therefore they are trying to get a deal. He added, “But we also don't want James to get torn up sparring and then the fight doesn't happen at all.”
For now, there is no confirmation of the bout between Kirkland and Alvarez but it definitely is on the cards. If the negotiations work out, then another pay-per-view will not be cancelled, after Khan’s and Ortiz’s pay-per-view was cancelled. If Kirkland
gets the chance to challenge Alvarez, he will have the opportunity to become a superstar. Alvarez is an unbeaten fighter and anyone who beats him will be the next big thing in the industry.
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