Paul Williams rumors, Arreola-Tua, Ward-Green Steve Kim: "So with Kermit Cintron being ruled out of facing Paul Williams in February 2nd, the race is now on to find a suitable replacement to face 'The Punisher'. Word is that Zab Judah, Carlos Quintana and Ricardo Mayorga have been prominently mentioned. Just my opinion, no way Don King lets Mayorga anywhere near Williams and Quintana-Williams has the makings of a snoozer. Judah, because of his name value, could be the best bet here. And I hear that HBO is really pushing for Chris Arreola to face David Tua. That's a classic crossroads face off."
Zab will bring the most money. He's still a name and still brings fans. Mayorga probably can't even make 147 anymore and he wouldn't even be ranked since he hasn't fought there is so long. Quintana, nobody cares about.
I can't see Zab accepting this fight, not anytime before December 9, and not for a typical Boxing After Dark payday. Zab is supposedly in the GLH sweepstakes, should Floyd beat Hatton and Arum decide to move Cotto in a different direction (which already seems to be the case). Zab even has some meatball title at 154, which means Oscar wouldn't have to drop back down (which he never was anyway) and the fight can be a 12-rounder. Of those listed, the Quintana fight seems like the easiest one to put together. No thanks on Arreola-Tua, and shame on H(aymon's)BO for entertaining the idea. It's fine if Arreola wants to take the fight, but it's not an HBO-level fight.
It could be a tripleheader, per Dan Rafael: "Tropical tripleheader Promoter Dan Goossen told ESPN.com that he plans to bring his Feb. 2 HBO tripleheader, headlined by welterweight titlist Paul Williams' first defense against an opponent to be named (who will fill in for the injured Kermit Cintron), to the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. With backing from the government, Goossen put on a successful "ShoBox" card there Nov. 16 and the government is interested in another show, he said. Before the site is official, however, HBO and Goossen have to work out how they will pay for the added production costs of doing a card there. The card will also feature heavyweight prospect Cristobal Arreola. Goossen wants to step up Arreola's competition and made a deal with Main Events for Calvin Brock, who was approved by HBO. However, Brock didn't accept because of an injury. Goossen said he is talking to reps for David Tua. Also on the card: super middleweight prospect Andre Ward, the 2004 U.S. Olympic gold medalist who won on Nov. 16 in St. Lucia. Ward would be taking a gigantic step up if a deal is finalized with Top 10 contender Allan Green, which appears likely ."
Steve, Pittsburgh: I heard Judah declined an offer to fight Williams because of a hand injury. Do you think that's true or do you think he's waiting out to see if he gets an offer to fight Oscar in May? Dan Rafael: (3:05 PM ET ) Yes, Judah's people declined the fight today. It never even got to money. Zab hurt his hand a couple of weeks ago and can't spar or hit the bag until January. They made the smart decision regardless of if there is a possible Oscar fight.
Wasn't Andre Ward almost KO'd by Kenny Kost in one of his first few fights? If his chin is questionable, I'm not sure fighting Allan Green is such a good idea. Green can crack and he can box too. Not sure it's a good fight for Ward to take.
Ward v Green would be an excellent fight at this stage- a real step up for Ward and a chance to see if he is making real, Top 10 168lb-er progress
:: Quite possibly It's better to see this kind of fight being made than the usual, 'possible contended' v 'tomato can x 30 until title shot' that fighter's like Ward tend to try and make, IMO.
:: no. the real answer is Arum likes to keep it all in the family. Plus, Williams could very well beat every 147 pounder on the planet - it's pretty tough to beat a 6'2" southpaw who's durable, throws more than 100 punches a round, and has a killer instinct too (this isn't Breland we're talking about). I think all promoters not promoting Williams are going to do their damnest not to mention his name even once. The guy is a tall order for anyone, and in my mind, probably the best guy at 147, with Margarito a close second. Can you imagine Hatton vs. Williams? :laughing: Even PBF vs. Williams would be a nightmare for PBF and I'm sure he's smart enough to know this. You watch. Williams ain't gonna get any fights. Even Cintron, who purported to want a fight with Williams, opted instead to blatantly fake an injury in order to avoid one.
