By Rick Reeno
WBO welterweight champion Paul "The Punisher" Williams (33-0, 24KOs) is looking for his next big fight in 2008. Already on the schedule, Williams defends his title against Carlos Quintana (24-1, 19KOs) on February 9.
If successful against Quintana, Williams tells BoxingScene.com that he would like to line up a big name for his next fight, preferably "Sugar" Shane Mosley.
"I want Sugar Shane next. I'll fight any of the big names, but I want Sugar Shane," Williams said.
Mosley rarely backs away from a challenge, even when it's in his best interest to do so. The most infamous "Sugar" story is how Mosley agreed to fight Winky Wright for $2.5 million dollars, instead of taking an eight-figure deal to face Oscar De La Hoya in a third fight.
He last fought on November 10, losing a close decision to WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Even in losing, Mosley put on a very good performance and there are many who felt he did enough to win the fight. Mosley has never officially announced his retirement and left the door open for another big fight.
Williams' trainer and manager, George Peterson, was one of the people who scored the fight for Mosley.
"I thought he pulled it out in the late rounds," Peterson said. "Shane would be a good fight."
Peterson says most welterweights are avoiding a fight with Williams, but Mosley may be up for the challenge.
