Manny Steward; “We’ll Fight Paul Williams in December”
 By Gabriel Montoya (Aug 21, 2007) Doghouse Boxing
Earlier, I had an engaging conversation with Manny Steward regarding the plans of IBF welterweight titlist Kermit Cintron for the rest of the year. As always, Manny was candid, funny, and straight to the point.
Gabriel Montoya: The question on everyone’s mind that I get asked more than any other to get an answer to is will Kermit Cintron be willing to face Paul Williams any time soon?
Manny Steward: Absolutely. I love southpaws. I have no problem having my fighters fight anyone, especially southpaws.
Kermit fights every day with Andy Lee who is a very tall southpaw who fights with power. He fought him today in fact. He is the perfect sparring partner to prepare Kermit for Paul. Listen, I love Paul Williams. He is a great kid and one of my favorite people in boxing. But I really think that this is the welterweight showdown that will happen eventually.
GM: How soon would you like to have it happen?
MS: If Kermit wins in September, I would sign to fight Williams next in December. If someone offered us that fight right now, I’d be at the signing before anyone got there. I love that fight for Kermit. He is a tall welterweight himself who fights with power in both hands. He fights very smart. If that had been Kermit fighting Paul in the Margarito fight, he [Williams] wouldn’t have made it to the end. He [Williams] is very good but I see a lot of flaws.
GM: It seems that word from the Goossen camp is that the fight is not a money fight at all.
MS: This fight has to happen. They are two young champions in the division. It’s a great fight full of action. I don’t train my fighters to win by points. I’d love to sign this fight and may the best man win. We wanted this fight before [Williams fought Margarito].
GM: Now I heard a rumor that you were offered a fight with Williams that you turned down.
MS: That’s an absolute, flat-out lie. We were never offered the fight. From 147 to 154, I have no problem matching
Kermit with anyone.
GM: How does Kermit feel about the fight?
MS: Listen, we were watching Paul Williams fight and Kermit leaned over to me and said, “This guy doesn’t fight with power. He wouldn’t be able to keep me off him.” Kermit has no problem with the fight.
GM: Thank you, Manny.
MS: My pleasure. Take care.
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