Paul Williams, 30, the electrifying boxer known to fans by his moniker “The Punisher,” is now facing a different type of battle. Williams suffered a life-altering motorcycle crash in Atlanta, which left him paralyzed from the waist down.
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He severed his spinal cord after falling on his back and head when he was thrown from his motorcycle after swerving to avoid an oncoming car.
William’s trainer and manager George Peterson told the Associated Press:
“From the waist down, he has absolutely no movement, He’s in very good spirits, though. He still believes he’s going to fight again.”
However, doctors have said that Williams will never walk again. He is listed in serious but stable condition, and will undergo surgery on Wednesday to stabilize his body.
According to Williams’ promoter, Dan Goossen:
“I don’t know the specifics about the spinal cord being severed. I do know that I’ve been told by George that he will never walk again, and it makes it hard for me to believe that it’s not something Paul can overcome.”
Williams (41-2, 27 KOs) was scheduled to fight Undefeated Saul “Canelo” Alvarez for the WBC light middleweight title on Sept. 15 in Las Vegas. Needless to say, the event has been cancelled.
This is the second tragedy to hit the world of boxing this Memorial Day weekend, following the death of former five-time world champion, Johnny Tapia.
It’s amazing to see what can change in the blink of an eye. Williams was one of boxing’s brightest young stars.
Although he faces immeasurable odds, we pray for the sake of his fans, his family, and William’s legacy that he is able to overcome them and continue his path to supremacy.
