Watch Paul Williams Vs Erislandy Lara LIVE NOW

By Geno McGahee

The one time “most avoided man in boxing” Paul Williams, 39-2, 27 KO’s, returns to the ring tonight against the undefeated Erislandy Lara, 15-0-1, 10 KO’s, in a twelve round showdown on HBO. This is the first fight back for Williams since his devastating knockout loss to Sergio Martinez last November. It was the first time that Williams was knocked out and it was a vicious early stoppage where he was planted face first into the canvas.

Williams was avoided by many because of his height, southpaw stance, and punch output. He wanted desperately to get a super fight with Floyd Mayweather, JR., but he never responded to the challenge, but Martinez did.

Sergio Martinez would face Williams twice, and the record now is 1-1, with Williams winning a thrilling 12 round majority decision, followed by the knockout defeat. Williams holds victories over Antonio Margarito, Winky Wright, and Kermit Cintron, and is still one of the best in the game, but Lara could be finding him at the right time.

When a fighter gets knocked out, you typically see them take a confidence building fight against a mediocrity. Lara is not that and carries a big punch. We could be in for a surprise. Watch the fight tonight on HBO live!