The Canadian Press

Paul Williams chooses Sergio Martinez to replace injured Kelly Pavlik in bout

Thu Nov 5, 5:06 PM

By The Associated Press

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Paul Williams finally has found an opponent for his next bout, choosing Sergio Martinez to replace injured Kelly Pavlik.

Heavyweight Chris Arreola also will fight on the card at the Boardwalk Hall Ballroom in Atlantic City on Dec. 5.

Williams spent the fall preparing for a showdown with Pavlik, but the middleweight champ backed out of two dates due to an infection in his left hand. The bout finally was cancelled last month.

Williams (37-1, 27 KOs) is a two-time welterweight champion who can fight in several weight classes. He hasn't been in the ring since his one-sided victory over Winky Wright last April.

Martinez (44-1-2, 24 KOs) is the WBC 154-pound champion, but will move up to 160 pounds to face Williams.