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<\/a>Like most professional boxers, unbeaten super lightweight prospect \u201cMarvelous\u201d Mykquan Williams (15-0-1, 7 KOs) is making the most out of a challenging situation, as he prepares for his unknown future in boxing.<\/p>\nThe coronavirus has shutdown boxing worldwide. Events are suspended indefinitely, boxers restricted in terms of training, and the immediate future remains tenuous at best.<\/p>\n
Unable to train at his gym, Manchester ROCS, which is closed due to a Connecticut state order, the 21-year-old Williams is handling this pandemic in a mature manner that belies his young age. No whining, no \u2018poor me\u2019 feelings. <\/p>\n
\u201dThis is a difficult time for everybody, including those of us in boxing,\u201d East Hartford (CT) resident Williams said. \u201cThere\u2019s no boxing on TV, nobody can compete, and everybody is isolated. It\u2019s just unfortunate, but I\u2019d rather be safe than sorry. Health concerns are and should always be the top priority.\u201d<\/p>\n
Williams hasn\u2019t been in action since last October 24th, when he fought to a questionable eighth-round majority draw with Tre\u2019Sean Wiggins, in which Williams retained his World Boxing Council (WBC) United States (USNBC) super lightweight title. Most observers felt that Williams deserved a win by decision.<\/p>\n
Since the beginning of 2020, Williams had been training for an expected fight in the first third of the year, and he\u2019s still training to stay in shape, albeit it not the same way as if he had a confirmed fight date.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m still doing some training,\u201d Williams explained. \u201cI need to stay in shape for when the call comes after boxing returns. I\u2019m in decent shape and when I get my next fight date, I won\u2019t have to go from zero to get ready. I want to maintain 50 to 60 percent shape and then finish off training on schedule for my next fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI know Mykey has still been running,\u201d Williams\u2019 head trainer Paul Cichon added. \u201cWe\u2019re going to be back training soon. I believe everything happens for a reason. Mykey and me had a conference call with (manager) Jackie Kallen and (promoter) Lou DiBella, and we trust that, as soon as possible, Mykey will be back in action.\u201d<\/p>\n
Because Williams doesn\u2019t turn 22 until this April 6, in addition to already being a pro boxer for nearly four years, his young boxing career figures to resume quicker and stronger than for many older boxers. Losing six months shouldn\u2019t hinder a prospect like Williams as much as a veteran who may not have nearly as much comparable quality competitive time left in the ring.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not sure if age is that big an advantage,\u201d Williams countered. \u201cIf some fighters were getting burned out because they were fighting a lot, taking time off, whether it\u2019s due to the virus or not, a break may help them come back better and stronger than when they last fought.\u201d<\/p>\n
Williams was a five-time national amateur champion, compiling a 45-13 amateur record, highlighted by three Ringside World titles, in addition to gold medal performances at the National PAL and National Silver Gloves championship.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know when boxing will return,\u201d Williams concluded, \u201cbut boxing will never die. People will always want to see guys punching each other in the face. Boxing is a sport rich in tradition and, right now, there is still a lot of talent coming up.\u201d<\/p>\n
And Mykquan Williams will be right at the head of that next wave when the boxing ban is finally lifted.<\/p>\n