There he was last Saturday, all 6’2" of a gangly welterweight oddity fighting through barriers of stress and assault. The Tijuana Hardman was doing what many experts of the sweet science thought he would do, he was starting to drown young Paul Williams. Then something happened in round 12, something that Teddy Atlas would call “a question being answered”, the kid refused to fold.

Paul Williams, after taking the early rounds with angles and activity, after nearly drowning in round 11, made his statement. He marked off his distance and basically told one of boxing's toughest hombres “you will not drown me.” Margarito is one of those rare gifts in boxing in that he makes and breaks young contenders. Unfortunately for him, last Saturday he (against his own interest) “made” a welterweight Monster that may also surpass him as the game's “most avoided.” I want to believe differently but I just can’t see it panning out any other way.

Boxing is unlike any other sport in that rarely are the most coveted matches achieved; although deep in the welterweight division it can easily become a quagmire of frustrations based on Williams’s freakish attributes and the impending return of Oscar De La Hoya. How many times in the past have we as fans seen a loaded weight division vaporize simply based on one fighter being labeled a “bad match up.” My biggest fear for the long tall southerner is that he will be banished to a purgatory of excellence because nobody at 147 wants to play with a 6’2" southpaw.

Millions may have to wait for “The Punisher” because promoters who’ve aided in creating the “can’t lose” culture of boxing will not take the risk. If you were a welterweight “name” standing between 5’7" and 5’9" would you want any of that action after seeing what Williams did to a “big” welter? Me neither. Many excuses will be used in the next 6 to 12 months and there will be prayers that he “grows” out of 147. Floyd Mayweather may still claim not to know him and Zab Judah will all of a sudden start calling Margarito “garbage”. Since when did anybody with Zab's chin call Margarito “garbage”? Can you say lesser of two evils? Sorry boxing fans, I know the vein of this piece is a bit morose but I want you to put your promoter’s hat on for a second and ask yourself….

Why do we want Any Part of This?

Imagine the whipping jabs that change in velocity coming from 82 inches (gulp) away. Then add the fact that they come from the left side and routinely unlock video game-like punches in bunches. If by chance you can get close, Paul Williams has proven that he can take your shots and answer back “immediately.” Then factor in the kid is a young stud just 25 years old and we all know the saying about a fighter getting 20% better after winning a strap. Outside of Joshua Clottey (another avoided welterweight) I don’t see anybody chomping at the bit to get in with the Punisher. Let’s start early fight fans; the only way to avoid a misfortunate circumstance is through preparation and due diligence. In Williams we have a young gun who (get this) “wanted” to fight the most feared guy (Margarito) and stood up to the test. We shouldn’t stand idly buy and watch him be starved out of a division that might actually generate the kind of excitement reminiscent of the 1980’s. In order for that to be achieved boxing has to have “all” of its players, Paul Williams can’t just be barred from riding this ride based on size.

Allow me to do the Punisher the honors and systematically call out each and every one of the “players” at welterweight. Besides Paul is a polite country boy (the kind my mamma would like) and well… I ain't. Let’s get it started with everyone’s favorite retired boxer.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Dear Sir (like them country manners, Paul?) If I am not mistaken you had the gall to roll up on THE Sugar Ray Leonard and talk trash about how he would fare in today’s fight game. I think you said something like “he wouldn’t be rated in the top ten” if he were fighting at welterweight today. Sir, when Ray Leonard was confronted with a fighter of similar dimensions (6’ 1" Tommy Hearns) and crushing one punch power to boot, he took him out! You’ve made your haul (of cash) and now you decide that of all the fighters that talk trash about you Ricky Hatton’s comments cut to the bottom of your soul? Sir, Paul Williams won't let you set your own pace and employ all of that “slick stuff” (in the ring) which is why you won't step up to the challenge. So what’s it gonna be “lil” Floyd? Do you know Paul Williams now? Are you only available when beatable guys call you out? In the words of George Steinbrenner: Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way.

Miguel Cotto

Miguel, I wouldn’t blame you if you took on Margarito, it’s an all action fight and in my eyes the Tijuana Tornado deserves the date. But, you can’t ignore the fact that you’ll be facing Paul Williams’s leftovers. Shane Mosley would be a great fight as well, but will you get full credit for beating him or will he, all of a sudden, become old? I know in sports they look to fudge statistics cuz homey you don’t look nowhere near the 5’ 8" that some list you at but who the hell cares. You’ve got the best body attack in boxing and in Paul Williams you have a canvas in which to paint a possible masterpiece. What’s the matter Miguel? You’ve developed a reputation as a tough guy, don’t hide behind the “BobFather” now. Or could it be a fragile, rusty version of Zab Judah is the only southpaw you want to tangle with?

Kermit Cintron

Kermit, are you familiar with the Bernard Hopkins boxing equation that dictates as follows: If I beat the guy who beat the guy who beat me, I knock off two birds with one stone. Why else would Hopkins be so arrogant in negotiating a rematch with Roy Jones? Don’t let Emanuel Steward snow you man, Margarito ain't the only fight that can redeem you. You and Paul Williams can make history, and the winner will get Margarito served up on a platter. The glory days of this sport was built on two and often three fight series, it’s time to get your business with Williams started now. Plant this seed now; at this current stage of both of your careers you can end up settling the score at middleweight long after Mayweather and Mosley are gone. Take a chance and use that big power to solve this matrix, if not you may risk looking at Manny across the ring from you in a couple of years. You know Manny LOOOOOOOOOVES tall fighters; you should take this fight simply to keep the Kronk Dr.’s eye from wondering.

Shane Mosley

Hey man, you know I love you man and I even hate to write what I’m about to write. Shane, Stevie Wonder can see GBP is trying to hem the Pretty Boy into a fight with you and that’s good business. But Floyd ain't looking for live action and Hatton is looking like the mark of the moment. Unlike some, I believe you deserve the “Sugar” moniker more than ever because you didn’t have to fight bigger fighters like Forrest and Wright back to back. Leave this sport with a statement fight Shane, you're old school and if you’re going to stick around you should stay that way. He can’t hurt you and if anybody has the “quick’s” to trump his volume punching with crisp “power boxing” it’s you. Besides I want to see how Jin responds to press conferences where the two of you are being called “sir” and “ma'm.”