Quintana hands Williams first career loss

February 10, 2008

TEMECULA, CALIFORNIA (TICKER) -- Carlos Quintana did something 33 other fighters could not - he posted a victory over Paul Williams.

In a considerable upset, Quintana scored a unanimous decision over Williams in a battle of southpaws at the Pechanga Resort & Casino on Saturday to capture the WBO welterweight title.

"I knew that I could win this fight," Quintana said through an interpreter. "I could've probably knocked him out, but there was a little problem with my breathing."

The 31-year-old Quintana (25-1, 19 KOs) received an identical score of 116-112 by two judges and a 115-113 advantage by the third.

"I'm a great fighter, everybody knows," Quintana said. "I knew I was going to win. I was in good shape because I am a great fighter."

It was the first career loss for Williams (33-1), who had won the belt from Antonio Margarito on July 14.

A native of South Carolina, Williams was on the receiving end of the harder punches in the fight. The 26-year-old was cut above each eye as a result of the Puerto Rican's shots.

"Tonight wasn't my night. I didn't show up," Williams admitted. "I just didn't get in my rhythm tonight. I couldn't get my plan intact. ... I just didn't execute."
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Just when a PBF killer looks to have arrived, he gets beat hard in a rematch. Williams is huge, 6'2 at 147lbs, and would have presented a considerable challenge to PBF.