Back in Action: Williams’ Quest for
Greatness Continues
Tucked away on the undercard of the Friday, March 25 “Fight Night at the Cosmopolitan” ESPN2 Friday Night Fights broadcast from The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas is the return of Texas lightweight Hylon Williams Jr., after over a year of inactivity.
One of the most highly touted prospects in boxing, 20-year-old Williams (12-0, 3 KOs) will make his return to the ring against Detroit’s James Lester in a non-televised six-rounder.
“It feels good to be coming back to Vegas to fight. It feels good to be coming back to fight, period,” admits Williams, shortly after a training session at Johnny Tocco’s gym in Las Vegas.
Having signed on with promoter Luis DeCubas of Blue Wave Group and relocated to Las Vegas, Williams says he is eager to regain the momentum he built by scoring 12 victories in 20 months before being sidelined by what he labels “managerial problems.”
Blessed with amazing hand speed and incredible balance, Williams was a highly decorated amateur who went 145-20 while winning a slew of tournaments and titles that few can rival.
“I plan on going from a great amateur to a legend in the pros,” he continues. “I don’t just want to be a good professional; I want to go down in history with the Sugar Ray Leonards and Floyd Mayweathers.”
In preparation for his return, Williams has been sparring with notable champions and top contenders such as Celestino Caballero, Robert Guerrero, Zab Judah and Jorge Teron.
He has also acquired the services of a cornerman who can relate to the transition from amateur standout to hopeful professional prospect. His new co-trainer is former Cuban amateur star and professional prospect Ramon Garbey (along with his father Hylon Sr.) “Ramon is blending my American style with some new Cuban tricks. He also teaches me to slow down and sit on my punchers more instead of being such a mover.”
Not much for pre-fight plans, Williams says he’ll let the canvas paint itself when he enters the ring that night. “It depends on whatever magic trick comes to me when I’m in there. There will always be something crowd-pleading about what I do in the ring; I can guarantee you that. I’m just going to go in there and box and if I see him hurt, I’m going in for the kill. It’s going to be a helluva night of boxing. I know that.”
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