Former two-division boxing champion Paul Williams is reportedly paralyzed from the waist-down after being thrown from his motorcycle on Sunday.
Just last week the 30-year-old boxer was overjoyed after signing to fight Saul Alvarez for the WBC Light Middleweight title on September 15. Boxing experts saw the bout as a opportunity for Williams to re-establish himself as a dominant force in the sport. Now he’s battling for his life.
Manager George Peterson told News 12 that he’s in the hospital with a surgery scheduled for Wednesday. That surgery will help to stabilize the healthy upper half of his spine by putting a protective wall around it.
Peterson said Williams went off the road trying to avoid another vehicle and was thrown from his motorcycle. He’s conscious and alert in an Atlanta hospital, and his manager said his positive attitude is the same as it’s been throughout his 12-year pro boxing career.
We wish him the best and hope for a full recovery.
Just heard about Paul Williams – Hope the prognosis is not as bad as has been written. Another champion. Get well soon. Sad day for boxing.
— Adam Smith (@SkyAdamSmith) May 28, 2012
Please pray for Paul Williams. Just heard he was in serious condition after a motorcycle accident. Possibly paralyzed.
— Andre S.O.G. Ward (@andreward) May 28, 2012
@USABoxingHead My prayers and condolence to Johnny T and prayers for Paul Williams! Don't quit fighting champ this is when you must fight!
— Sugar Ray Leonard (@SugarRayLeonard) May 28, 2012
Paul Williams has reportedly been involved in a motorbike accident which has left him paralysed. This is another… http://t.co/63lPcz7f
— Sugar Ray's (@sugarrays) May 28, 2012
Me siento recontrajodido y recontraputeado. Recién me entero del accidente de Paul Williams. Ánimo. Ojalá no sea tan jodido como dicen.
— Sergio Martínez (@maravillabox) May 28, 2012
Sending my love to paul williams & jonny tapia, & their famlee .. My hearts go out to them …
— CHOP CHOP 5xCHAMP (@CHOPCorley) May 28, 2012
https://twitter.com/Allaboutboxing/status/207226188740046848
https://twitter.com/OnaWantedPoster/status/207226164480188416
https://twitter.com/ramirOOlivarez/status/207225836217180160
Just heard the terrible news that Paul Williams who was due to fight Alvarez in Sept may be paralysed after a motorbike accident. So sad.
— Glenda (@glendamcf) May 28, 2012
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