LAS VEGAS – Paul Williams asserted his claim to a major belt with a unanimous decision over former middleweight champ Ronald ‘Winky’ Wright in a non-title bout between the two Americans on Saturday.
Williams pounded at Wright’s famed defensive posture from the opening bell at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, relentlessly breaking down the former champion, returning to the ring after a 21-month absence.
With so many punches to block, Wright didn’t have time to land enough scoring blows against his taller, longer opponent. Williams barely appeared tired by the closing bell, chasing Wright up to the final seconds.
‘I felt like I did in the first round in the 12th,’ Williams said. ‘That was because of my hard training, and running seven miles a day. It helped my breathing. … I expected Winky to throw big shots, and he did. We went 12 hard rounds. I anticipated that it was going to be a tough fight. I would have loved to knock him out.’
Judges Jerry Roth and Robert Hoyle favoured Williams 119-109, while Adalaide Byrd gave every round to Williams, 120-108. The Associated Press had Williams winning 118-111. Williams threw 1 086 punches, connecting with 23 percent, while Wright managed just 511.
– Nampa-Reuters
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