I had no intentions of doing a preview of this fight. It’s Thanksgiving Weekend and I doubt many people care or are even aware of the fight. But since fellow boxing writer Corey Willinger emailed me his prediction I feel obligated to validate his effort. Thanks a lot, Corey. In lieu of a full preview of the Paul Williams vs. Verno Phillips WBO Light Middleweight Title bout, I’m simply posting our predictions.
Paul Williams vs. Verno Phillips (WBO Light Middleweight Title)
Trent: Another reason I didn’t want to bother with a preview of the fight is because it features Verno Phillips. He’s an average fighter. He has average power and average ability. The only thing he excels in is ring experience but that’s because he’s old. Paul Williams is young and long. He’s going to give Phillips fits with his reach. Williams will jab his way to an easy unanimous decision victory. Take it away Corey, try to make me care about Verno Phillips…
Corey: Verno Phillips is one of those guys who has somehow not only remained relevant in boxing after years and years of service, but he is also a current champion. Technically, he was stripped of the IBF title he won off Cory Spinks back in the spring, but he’s fighting Williams for the vacant WBO strap and, in bizarre fashion, seems to get better with every fight. After fighting Kassim Ouma tough and barely losing to Ike Quartey, he pulled out his career best win in his last fight. But Paul Williams also looks better with every passing fight – much better. I think Carlos Quintana woke up a sleeping giant when he outpointed Williams earlier this year. Since then, Williams not only crushed Quintana in a round in the rematch but also annihilated middleweight Andy Kolle in a round. Verno won’t be nearly as easy, but based on what Ouma was able to do to Phillips in 2004, Williams should pummel him for either a late stoppage or a wide unanimous decision. I think Phillips’ corner will stop what becomes a massacre by round 10.
