Manager: Boxer Williams likely paralyzed

Boxer Paul "The Punisher" Williams is likely paralyzed from the waist down following a motorcycle crash in Georgia, his manager said Monday. Williams, a 12-year ring veteran who was set to seek the WBC Light Middleweight title, was hurt Sunday in a crash near Atlanta while trying to avoid another vehicle, manager George Peterson told reporters. He said the fighter faces paralysis as he prepares to undergo spinal stabilization surgery Wednesday at a hospital in the city, WRDW-TV, Augusta, Ga., reported. Peterson said doctors will attempt to preserve the health of the 30-year-old's upper spine by walling it off from his injured lower spine. The manager said Williams -- who was set to fight Saul Alvarez Sept. 15 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas -- was alert and displaying a positive attitude. Williams came out of South Carolina's Aiken Boxing Club to rack up a 41-2-0 record with 27 knockouts en route to two WBO Welterweight championships and a WBO Light Middleweight title, the broadcaster said.