By Mark Vester
In what many are calling a direct slap in the face to WBA welterweight champion Antonio Margarito, the latest fighter in the running to land Oscar De La Hoya on December 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas - is none other than WBO welterweight champion Paul Williams.
Williams won a twelve-round decision over Margarito in 2007. While Margarito has been hunting for De La Hoya, Williams has been hunting for Margarito. It would be an ironic twist if now Williams and De La Hoya fought each other. Of course, WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao is still the frontrunner to land De La Hoya in December, if the two sides ever come to terms, but if they don't - Williams is another option added to the mix.
Eric Gomez, VP and matchmaker for Golden Boy Promotions, told boxing writer David Avila, that Williams was being considered for the date, along with WBC junior middleweight champ Sergio Mora - if he beats Vernon Forrest on September 13.
“Paul Williams name has come up and we’re definitely thinking of a match between him and Oscar,” said Gomez. “He’s definitely being considered.”
Williams' promoter Dan Goossen told Avila that a fight with De La Hoya and Williams makes perfect sense.
“Oscar has said before that he wants to fight the best welterweight and that’s Paul Williams,” said Goossen. “Williams beat Margarito so it makes sense. Oscar is the biggest name in boxing without a doubt. Williams is the most feared fighter.”
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