Williams vs. Martinez: Two South Paws, One Winner: PREDICTION

by Troy J. Hines

I sat in front of my computer screen for a long time before I began typing this prediction. Due to my love of the sport of boxing, my respect for Paul Williams (37-1), and the need to remain objective for this analysis, I had to replace my “child-like” admiration of the fighter, with the discerning eye of a concerned Dad. I have had the wonderful opportunity of dining with Williams, one of his sparring partners, and his trainer/mentor George Peterson during the height of their preparation for the anticipated showdown with Kelly “The Hoax” Pavlik—sorry I meant “Ghost”. You know—“Ghost”, as in flighty or false imagery, the spirit or the lack thereof, or “I’m pulling out of the fight to fight a lesser opponent” kind of “ghost”. Once again I apologize. As a budding journalist that was not politically correct.

Moving forward, one of the things I first noticed about the humble champion from “South Cackalaky” was a calm reserve that is usually donned by grandfathers and yacht owners, rarely amongst young prize fighters. There was no arrogance in his handshake, he spoke softly but confidently, and displayed his mind-boggling reach as he grabbed the A-1 from the other side of the table. If you haven’t seen the “Supreme Ectomorph” in battle, you are in for a treat when he squares off with another south paw, Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (44-2-1), on Saturday, December 5th at 9:30pm EST only on HBO.

The two “Lefties” should provide “game” entertainment for boxing fans as styles make fights. To his credit, Martinez is a dangerous and speedy “boxer-puncher” who was robbed of his knockout of Kermit Cintron on February 14th 2009. Before I go any further, let’s take a look at the tale of the tape:

Height: Williams 6’2” /Martinez 5’11” ADVANTAGE Williams by 3”
Weight: Williams 160 /Martinez 160 EVEN
Age: Williams 28/ Martinez 34 ADVANTAGE Williams in the Youth Department
Reach: Williams 82”/ Martinez 76” ADVANTAGE Williams by 4”

I truly enjoyed watching Martinez (51% Wins by KO), use foot speed, hand speed, and showmanship to earn an eventual knockout over Cintron—no this was NOT a draw. It was a KO mistaken for a head butt by Cintron and the referee. I have one word for the governing bodies of boxing—INSTANT REPLAY! The difference in this fight with Mr. Williams (71% Wins by KO) is that punch volume will not be an issue by which the quick footed Argentine can steal rounds. However, if Martinez can keep the fight on the inside, and effectively commit to the body, he may be able to slow down “The Punisher’s” rate of onslaught. On the other hand, “Maravillas” lust for showmanship, i.e. showboating with his hands down, could be one of several reasons which result in The South American “kissing the canvas”. Make no mistake, I am not saying this will be an easy fight for Williams as his only loss comes from another Latin fighter off lesser ability—Carlos Quintana. To “The Punisher’s” credit, he avenged that loss with a devastating first round KO of the Puerto Rican fighter that all but obliterated that loss from our memories. However with patience, as I believe he’s learned, the talented fighter from Aiken should be able to win by knockout. I can visualize Williams dominating the older, shorter man with stiff jabs, straight lefts, and other not so easily named punches from all angles. Williams will need to put on an impressive performance to leave promoters and fighters that have been ducking him in the past, nowhere to hide.

The long and lean fighter from the “Dirty South” reminds me of the character Dhalsim of the famous Arcade game Street Fighter II. Dhalsim’s endless arms, like Williams’, become longer as the deadly Yoga master blasts his inferior opponents from long range. Then using ancient Kabbadi magic he leaves his victims charred within a burning inferno. OK, maybe, just maybe, I’m exaggerating the “The Punisher’s” abilities. But if I were a betting man, I’d say Mr. Williams will be saying “Buenos Noches” to the exciting south paw from Buenos Aires.