Q&A: Paul Williams

Paul Williams goes after the WBC middleweight title when he faces Sergio Martinez for the second time Saturday night in Atlantic City (on HBO). Williams took some time out from his training to talk to FOXSports.com about how he plans to beat Martinez for the second time after a close fight the first time around.

 

FOXSports.com: Last time you guys fought, it was a close fight, according to the judges. How will the outcome be different this time?

Williams: I'm going to win with no doubts about it. Maybe a knockout.

FOXSports.com: Without tipping your hand too much, what did you learn last time you fought him that you can use this time around?

Williams: Just don't make mistakes I was making. I was walking into stuff.

FOXSports.com: Is there anything about his style that you learned about him last time that you can use this time around?

Williams: Not really. I just need to be myself. Just go in there and be Paul Williams that night. I don't see anything particular about this guy that I have to watch out for.

FOXSports.com: Are you training any differently this time?

Williams: The only thing I'm doing differently this time is sparring with left-handed guys.

FOXSports.com: Are you treating the fight differently than you did last time you faced Sergio?

Williams: Definitely. I've got something to prove. He's got something that I want. He stole the titles from Kelly Pavlik. He beat him. Now I get my shot to get the belts. So of course I want them.

FOXSports.com: Last time you had a rematch, against Quintana, you came back and looked much more focused and more determined and beat him badly. Is that something you think about now that you're fighting a rematch with someone you beat? Are you concerned he'll treat the rematch the way you did against Quintana?

Williams: It doesn't matter if he comes back more determined. He can't beat me. The only thing that can beat me is myself. I've got a win over him. So I'm not worried about him. I'm just coming in and doing what I do best.

FOXSports.com: What do you think you do best as a fighter?

Williams: Get off. Just fight. Fight smart.

FOXSports.com: What do you think your best skill is in the ring?

Williams: My best skill is being able to adapt to whatever. Even if it gets bad in the ring, I can adapt to it. I don't fold up like some fighters. They could be having a good night, then when the tables turn they freeze up. My thing is, no matter how the fight goes, I'm gonna be in there.

FOXSports.com: Do you have a favorite weight class to fight in?

Williams: It really doesn't matter to me. It's all about fighting. I guess ... um... I don't know. All of them feel good to me.

FOXSports.com: If you could fight anyone at any weight, who would you like to fight most?

Williams: After Martinez, it's definitely Pacquiao.

FOXSports.com: Who was your favorite fighter growing up?

Williams: Not to be arrogant, but it was probably myself.

FOXSports.com: What do you think about boxers going into MMA? Would you ever consider doing that?

Williams: No, man. That's too rough. Uh-uh. They're street fighting. They're kneeing them in the face, kicking them ... Nah, that's too much for me.