A look into Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez vs Paul 'The Punisher' Williams

With Canelo's next fight coming up, it brought up recollections of his abandoned fight with Paul Williams scheduled for last September prior to the Punisher's paralysis. It would have made for an intriguing match up pitting the relentless output of Williams up against Canelo's effectively timed bursts of power. Also with William's considerable physical advantages, it would have given some insight into Canelo's adaptability to playing second fiddle in the size orchestra for a change. Personally, as a huge P-Willy fan, at the time I couldn't see Canelo standing a hope in hell's chance of having any success; but having since seen him handle Trout so patiently and brutally, it raises a few questions as to whether this kid may be something special. Just wondered what the aficionados out there thought. On a side note: this is NOT a canelo-mayweather thread. Keep that muck outa here! :boxing:

Comments (10)

Tylotto

This is a winnable fight for prime Williams. I think Williams could win a lot of wins just by pure output. Canelo often goes with just one steady motor as I think he's afraid he's going to gas. He's a really young guy right now but I don't know how long he can fight at the 154 class. I'm actually excited to see Canelo move up eventually as I think he could become even better if he doesn't have to worry about his stamina. He has some of the best combinations I've seen and he has pretty good handspeed as well. In the end I would still bet on Canelo to win but it would be foolish to count out Williams. Canelo would struggle at MW. He's to short and he has stubby arms. Quillin would destroy him.

12y ago

Body_Snatcher

12y ago

Motofan

Hmmm even at that stage, Paul's 9000 punches all round, every round vs Canelos 7. Yeah I actually think Canelos stamina problems and very low output would have just been overwhelmed by Williams. If he didn't knock Paul out (I think he is too slow to catch Paul any harder than someone like Margarito did and Paul took those well for the most part) then he simply gets out worked.

12y ago

Bushbaby

Concerning the Punisher, no southpaw, no problem.

12y ago

Ray

Canelo would have beaten any version of Paul Williams, and I say that as someone who has always rooted for Paul. He was never good defensively and he would have gotten lit up with combinations at close quarters as he doesn't fight tall. Thank you, I like Williams but he has to be the easiest tall fighter to hit whether you are a southpaw or unorthodox. I remember Kermit cintron landing big bombs on Williams even though he was getting hit with so many punches.

12y ago

Doctor_Tenma4618

12y ago

Public_Enemy

This would've been a great fight. Williams was past his best but still a game opponent. Paul had major problems with southpaws so he looked to be shot against Lara but he still had something left in the tank. I see Alvarez fighting well picking his shots and landing some nice counters. Williams would stifle him with his work rate. Canelo's stamina issues would definitely come into play. I think Alvarez would've won a close, somewhat contested decision. Canelo would've landed the clean, harder punches while Williams would've been more active and possibly landed more punches. This fight would have been a solid test for Canelo. He would've had to dig deep late in the fight.

12y ago

bojangles1987

Maybe Williams was too far gone, but I think he would have beat Alvarez up and won a clear decision. Whether he would have gotten that decision is a different story.

12y ago

5General

Dunno though, 4.5" height advantage, 9-12" reach advantage... Granted Williams never fought tall, but he'd be able to crack Canelo from a fair distance. That plus decent footwork makes me think he might have fustrated a 'younger' Alvarez

12y ago

Ray

Canelo by KO, Pwill was coming towards the end of his competitive career IMO.

12y ago