Former 3-time world champion Paul “The Punisher” Williams (39-2, 27 KOs) will make his long-awaited return to the ring on Saturday July 9. He will take on Cuban prospect Erislandy Lara (15-0-1, 10 KOs) at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, live on HBO Boxing After Dark, starting at 10:15 pm EST/7:15 pm PST.
Williams, the tall, lanky southpaw last fought on November 20, losing via 1-punch knockout to consensus middleweight champion, Sergio Martinez. Prior to November’s loss, Williams moved between the 154 and 160-pound weight classes in search of a willing opponent. Williams says he will settle in the 154-pound weight class, given the reluctance of some welterweights to fight him.
Lara will take a huge step up in competition on Saturday night. He has faced mostly light hitting competition, and his defining fight has been a TKO 10 victory over Grady Brewer. Lara last fought on March 25, scoring a controversial majority draw with journeyman Carlos Molina, in a bout many felt could have gone to Molina.
— Tim Harrison
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