Williams vs Wright: Two Pound-for-Punders at the Crossroads

The upcoming match between these two is rather intriguing. With Williams on the rise, and Wright being inactive for two years, his last fight in fact being a loss to Bernard Hopkins, it’s easy to make a case for Williams to win. However, it would be rash to underestimate Wright, as he has proved many people wrong before.

The main question regarding Winky is: what effects will he feel after being away from the ring for so long? Wright is by no means young, so the effect may be even greater.

But remember, Kostya Tszyu spent a rather large amount of time away from the ring, as was as sharp as ever belting out Sharmba Mitchell, and Wright has been in less wars than Tszyu has.

The other question is whether Wright’s outstanding defense and right jab will hold up against someone who throws as many punches as Williams, who is sure to land at some stage. Also, at his age, does Wright still have it?

Everybody gets old eventually, just ask Terry Norris, or more recently, Oscar De La Hoya. Will Wright grow old against Williams?

In regards to Williams, he also has some questions. He has shown that he can be rattled by someone with a sound plan, as Carlos Quintana showed in their first match.

Quintana interestingly, is a southpaw, just like Wright, and while Quintana is an extremely capable fighter and a top five welterweight, he is not in the same class as Wright, a long time pound-for-pounder.

Wright is also physically stronger than Quintana, and will be the bigger man. Wright is as technical as they come, and if anyone is capable of shutting down Williams’ high volume attack, it’s Wright.

Also Wright has a rock solid chin, and hasn’t been down since he fought Julio Cesar Vasquez eons ago, so Williams is unlikely to hurt him the way he did Quintana.

The fight should be interesting with Williams getting off to a typically fast start, throwing combination after combination.

However, Wright will be ready, and during these opening rounds, Wright will be popping Williams with plenty of jabs, throwing in some left crosses, and using his underrated body punching abilities. Wright will catch on, and deflect a lot of Williams punches, though many will land. Williams has shown he is open to the left cross, and Wright knows it.

Being physically stronger Wright will get better as the fight progresses, and won’t be afraid to mix it with Williams. Williams has a huge heart and amazing stamina, so don’t be surprised to see him rally at some stage.

But in the end, Wright’s technical mastery and defensive wizardry, will be enough to overcome Williams volume and youth. Providing Wright doesn’t grow old overnight, I say Wright by extremely close unanimous, possibly split decision in an upset.