Bad Left Hook Staff Picks: Paul Williams vs Erislandy Lara

by Scott Christ on Jul 9, 2011 3:37 PM EDT in Boxing Fight Previews

Paul Williams and Erislandy Lara take to the ring tonight on HBO.

Scott Christ

This is just one of those fights where I have a feeling, or is it a hunch? I think Oscar de la Hoya is "undefeated" on "hunches," so maybe I should call it a hunch, because "feelings" mean you're wrong, or whatever. I don't like this fight for Paul Williams. Frankly I'm just not sure about Paul Williams in general anymore. If Williams isn't tentative, and if they've actually improved his massively leaky defense this time, I think he'll be too busy and too high-energy for Lara to deal with. But if this turns into a boxing match, Lara's better than Williams. Paul's habit of giving up his natural advantages in every fight he's ever been in worries me, and now that we've seen that chin not just dented or cracked but blown to bits, there's the worry he'll never be the same as he was, either. I'm going with Lara by KO. Williams may well be up on the cards and appearing to be on his way to victory, but he's going to leave himself wide open. He always has. There's a long scouting report on Paul Williams now, and I think Lara knows this is make or break for him. Lara in the eighth round.

Andrew Fruman

Lara probably matches up rather well stylistically with the lanky American. He can fight effectively from the outside and he throws straight shots - the type that can trouble Williams, who can get loopy with his attack. That said, I get the feeling Lara likes to fight at his own pace and not sure he'll cope all that well over the long haul with a non-stop swarming attack. That brings us to the key question... after what happened against Sergio Martinez, will Williams bring the kind of high volume pressure he's famous for? I have no idea, and not sure even Williams will really know until he gets in there and starts throwing. My pick: Lara in a close one that goes the full route. 115-113 type scores. Maybe a split verdict.

Matt Miller

Compared to Rios-Antillion, I feel a bit more certainty with the HBO main event. Williams is too much of a step up for Lara, I'm guessing, and the usual tall Paul punch machine will reappear and outwork and outland Lara. This time, I see an aggressive Williams dressed to impress, actively looking for the KO, and getting it late in the fight from accumulated damage.

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I like Williams by decision, with Lara spending large parts covering up, not doing enough and looking generally disinterested. I think Shimoda-Ramos is the fight to look forward to, to be honest.

"Occasionally, there is a boxing match that, in its demonstration of skill, courage, intelligence, hope, seems to redeem the sport - almost. Perhaps boxing has always been a sport in crisis, a sport of crisis."

by Oli Goldstein on Jul 9, 2011 4:30 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

It would be a shame if Lara adopts his “I’m bored” attitude. This isn’t FNF and Paul Williams is not one of those scrubs he’s fought before. I think that Lara has everything to beat Williams, but I guess you’re right in that his attitude might be the defining factor. Of course, isn’t he coming of a lackluster draw? Maybe that lit a fire under him…

Bob Arum would promote Lucifer himself if he could put asses in the seats.

by Apprentice on Jul 9, 2011 4:41 PM EDT up reply actions

You guys don’t agree with each other. I like it.

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by lcollins1 on Jul 9, 2011 5:02 PM EDT reply actions

I’m thinking Williams will outwork Lara for a UD, but taking Lara in pick em game…….he’s a decent “dog” pick.

by DPlainview on Jul 9, 2011 7:53 PM EDT reply actions

Williams by stoppage mid rounds.

#1 Devon Alexander hater

by uGotKTFO on Jul 9, 2011 8:22 PM EDT reply actions

Paul by KO

Last time he lost after a bad night he came back strong. I dont know much about Lara so it is hard for me to call the fight but, I will take my chances with Paul with anyone at 154. And I dont think anyone….“anyone” can beat him at 147 (yes I think he would beat Pac man and PBF..and I think he can still make 147).

And I wan’t to put that last KO from Martinez in perspective. SM is the best from 154-160. And he KO Cintron,

by DL3 on Jul 9, 2011 8:26 PM EDT reply actions

Williams got hit with what could be a career-altering shot. Getting zapped by one punch like that can put you into a very defensive mindset for awhile, and Paul’s defense is full of holes. I’ve got this one as a Lara upset, just because the Paul we’re gonna see tonight – coming off a first career kayo, coming back down in weight – is a big question mark.

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by jrok on Jul 9, 2011 8:40 PM EDT reply actions