Winky on the Williams-Phillips fight.

On the fight: "Phillips is tough, but Williams is the slicker boxer."

On fighting the winner: "Most Definately....If they want the fight and the price is right, we definately will do it".

-From FightHype.com

Be careful what you wish for Wink.

Williams' "mandatory" Jennings would rather fight Cotto...

Paul Williams' "mandatory" opponent for his WBO Welterweight belt Michael Jennings has stated that he would rather fight Miguel Cotto if he had his choice. Cotto, who is looking for a warmup opponent before the potential summer rematch with Antonio Margarito has told Jennings that the fight is a "distinct possiblity". Jennings was said to have had a fight set up against Paul Williams after Williams fights Verno Phillips for Phillips' 154 pound IBF belt. However, some sources have stated that Williams plans to vacate his WBO title if he beats Phillips. If so, Jennings' promoter Frank Warren has lined Jennings up to face Cotto, for the vacant championship. This may be wishful thinking by the Jennings camp however, as WBO president Paco Valcarcel has said Williams has given no indication that he will vacate. Jennings had this to say about the prospect of fighting Williams or Cotto: "Williams is every boxer's nightmare," he said. "He's tall, southpaw and with long arms, and couldn't be any more awkward. "It sounds daft because he is such a good fighter, but Cotto is more straightforward. He is smaller than me, orthodox and everyone knows what he does." Quite a statement. Can't say that I disagree... At least he's honest.

Press Conference Quotes

Notable quotes from the Ontario Press Conference:

“The available world contenders that said ‘No’ to fighting Williams joined the not-so-exclusive Antonio Margarito Club by turning down money, opportunity, fame and bragging rights to be the best. So the one fighter at the championship level that was willing to challenge Paul was Phillips, but at his natural 154-pound weight class. Although we all wanted Paul to defend his 147-pound championship, this fight fits in to what Paul has been saying for some time now: that Paul will take on all challengers between 147 and 168 pounds. Having someone like Paul willing to do what really no man has done before him -- fight in different weight classes simultaneously -- is great for our sport and especially the fans.” - Dan Goosen

“you can’t make these fighters have courage. I’m just happy Verno was willing to step up, but I’ve got to go out there and punish him for doing it. I wanted to defend my title, but getting another one will also be nice and I just got to go out there and continue my road to fighting anyone at any weight.” - Paul Williams

“I fear no man and my track record shows that. I’m at my best when people overlook me and I’ve proven it by being a 3-time World Champion,” -Verno Phillips

Paul Williams Press Conference 10/23/08

Verno Phillips Press Conference 10/23/08

Paul Williams Interview 10/22/08

Full Card Set for Nov 29th.

Paul Williams (35-1, 26 KOs) will square off with junior middleweight champion Verno Phillips (42-10-1, 21 KOs) in the main event on Nov. 29 for Phillips' 154 pound title on HBO's "Boxing After Dark". Now the rest of the card has been set as well. Cristobal Arreola (25-0-1, 22 KOs), will also be on the card fighting Travis Walker (28-1-1, 22 KOs), in the semi-main event. The undercard will include an eight-round lightweight bout between Josesito Lopez (22-3, 13 KOs) and Bayan Jargal (8-0-1, 5 KOs) as well as undefeated prospects Rico Ramos (7-0, 5 KOs), Mike Dallas, Jr. (5-0, 1 KO) and Michael Franco (13-0, 8 KOs).

A press conference is scheduled for today to officially announce the fight.

Dan Goosen, Williams' promoter had this to say about the November 29th main event:
"The available world contenders that said `No' to fighting Williams joined the not-so-exclusive Antonio Margarito club by turning down money, opportunity, fame and bragging rights to be the best. So the one fighter at the championship level that was willing to challenge Paul was Phillips, but at his natural 154-pound weight class. Although we all wanted Paul to defend his 147-pound championship, this fight fits in to what Paul has been saying for some time now: that Paul will take on all challengers between 147 and 168 pounds. Having someone like Paul willing to do - fight in different weight classes simultaneously - is great for our sport and especially the fans."

Tickets for the event will be priced at $200, $100 and $50.