By Mark Vester
According to a report in PrimeraHora, Carlos Quintana (24-1, 19KOs) has accepted the offer to fight WBO welterweight champion Paul Williams (33-0, 24KOs) in the headline bout of an HBO tripleheader on February 2. The chief supporting bouts include, though not official, heavyweights Chris Arreola vs. rumored opponent David Tua and undefeated prospect Andre Ward stepping up in class, possibly against Allan Green.
As reported by BoxingScene.com several days ago, both Quintana and former welterweight champion Zab Judah were offered bouts against Williams. Judah turned the bout down, citing a hand injury from his last bout, but Quintana has jumped on the offer.
Initially, Williams was slated to meet IBF champ Kermit Cintron in a unification bout, but Cintron injured his hand from a tuneup bout on Nov. 23 and was forced to withdraw. Talks are ongoing and Quintana expects to sign a contract once the terms are agreed upon.
"I am very interested in that fight", said Quintana. "We just want a little bit more money for taking this fight. It's not a lot to ask so we expect for the terms to be met. I know this is a hard fight because Williams is tough, throws a lot of punches. When I fought Miguel Cotto, it is not that I underestimated him, but I never thought he could beat me. I gave him too much respect in the fight. Williams proved himself against Antonio Margarito because I thought Margarito was going to knock him out."
Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingscene@hotmail.com
