Sergio Martinez vs Paul Williams Predictions

We're only hours away from fight time.  The HBO telecast begins at 10 PM.

Who do you like?  Paul Williams to make it 2 for 2 against Sergio Martinez and claim the title, or Martinez to even up the series (let's hope it's a series) and make a successful defense of his crown.

The Boxing Bulletin writers made their picks here.  Let's check out some more predictions from around the net for the Middleweight Title match-up...

Bad Left Hook Fight Preview: Sergio Martinez v. Paul Williams II

Scott Christ... This is one of those fights where I really do not have a concrete pick in mind. I'm going to go with Sergio Martinez because I think right now, he's simply the better fighter. I scored the last fight just barely in his favor, and I just feel he's the better man at this stage of the two careers. That could mean a third fight, and at that point, maybe Williams will seem like the man with more momentum. Right now I think it's Sergio, though. Either way, we're talking about a world-class fight, so enjoy it. No promotional bulls**t, no melodrama, no nastiness. Just two top-ranked fighters fighting for a real championship. Rare enough to savor. Martinez SD-12

The Cruelest Sport - Iron Dogs: Paul Williams-Sergio Martinez Preview

Carlos Acevedo... It will be a tough assignment for both Martinez and Williams, and they deserve credit for agreeing to maul each other again like pit bulls in a fight some oddsmakers have tabbed a pick ‘em affair.

Given the fact that he will have a full camp this time around, Martinez ought to be able to make the adjustments necessary to squeak by via a tight, possibly split, decision over 12 tempestuous rounds.

The Queensbury Rules - What Makes Boxing Great: Paul Williams Vs. Sergio Martinez II Preview And Prediction

Tim Starks... In a fight where so little differentiates these men, the slightest thing could make a difference: Martinez' better size, Williams' improved defense, anything. Ultimately, after Martinez' potential weight issues surfaced, I switched from thinking Martinez would win -- maybe even by knockout -- to thinking Williams will -- maybe even by knockout. But I am picking Williams to win by unanimous decision, one that will have its harrowing moments for both men but where the 29-year-old American wins a bit more definitively than he did the first time against the older Argentinian.

Safe Side of the Ropes - Boardwalk Empire: Paul Williams vs Sergio Martinez Preview & Prediction

Andrew Harrison... For me, Williams has the tools to gain the upper hand and maintain it until the end, if he can stick to a well ordered and disciplined blueprint. Playing the percentages with his left a bit more whilst ruling the argument with his right, he can pressurise Martinez into having to chase rounds, perhaps opening holes in the Argentinean’s defence.

In another entertaining battle, I pick him to do just that. He has the finer pedigree of the pair and showed in the revenge win over Carlos Quintana (the only man to have beaten him thus far) that he can make improvements second time around the block.

The Boxing Tribune - And Now a Touch of Class: Paul Williams vs. Sergio Martinez

Paul Magno (Inside Fights)... The first time out, Paul Williams fought a terrible tactical fight and played almost directly into Sergio Martinez’s strengths as a fighter. However, even while fighting the worst possible fight, he still managed to win a close, close decision. Martinez is at the top of his game now, but I can’t see him fighting Williams any better this time than he did last time. So, this leads me to believe that a better prepared, more focused Williams should be able to take this rematch. But, whenever you get two evenly-matched, prime, elite fighters going at it, anything can happen. If forced to choose, I’d say Williams via close split decision, but I would not be surprised to see Martinez take the decision either.

Inside Fights - Paul Williams vs. Sergio Martinez II Preview & Picks

Trent Pusey... My head tells me Williams. But my gut is saying Sergio. Maybe it’s just the chili dogs from earlier, but I’m going with my gut here. Despite being fairly certain I’ve used that terrible joke some time before, sometimes you need to go with your gut. Paul makes a good point above. But I don’t think the rusty Williams we saw in May was completely due to the gameplan. Martinez is running out of time and has revenge on his mind. It could be that I’m envisioning the best possible Sergio showing up against the worst possible Williams, but give this one to Sergio. 115-113.

Corey Willinger... Without question, this is the most difficult big fight to call of the year. Williams seems to only know one way to fight, but it was enough to best the more versatile Martinez the first time around, if just barely. The sequel may simply boil down to who’s hotter right now. And with Williams struggling with Kermit Cintron this spring while Sergio impressively out fought Kelly Pavlik for the middleweight crown, it’s clear Martinez is the one riding the bigger wave of momentum into the rematch. Look for Sergio to cut Williams en route to notching a close decision, 116-112. That way we can all look forward to a rubber match in 2011.

FIGHTHYPE - FIGHTHYPE BREAKDOWN: MARTINEZ VS. WILLIAMS II

Joe DeMaria... After twelve grueling rounds, this one will go to the cards. 115-113 sounds about right as Sergio Martinez retains his title with a well-deserved victory. I doubt it will be unanimous, so whether that means a split or a majority decision is your guess as much as it is mine, but there will be no guess work when it comes to determining what we just finished watching; the best fight of the year so far.

411mania.com - Sergio Martinez vs. Paul Williams 2

Jonathan Yaghoubi... Given his height and reach, Williams also has the option of switching things around and attempting to box Martinez by playing a jab-and-move game. Martinez maybe the more slick and sneakier of the two but it is Williams who has the power edge. It is certainly a disadvantage for Martinez to be fighting this at a catch-weight of 158 pounds and there have been whispers that Martinez has struggled with his weight which would bodes well for Williams. I think Williams will come up with another strong performance and I feel he is going to powerful for Williams. With the win, Williams will improve his standing among the best fighters in the world. Williams by split decision.