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After dominating Paul Williams for 12 rounds and capturing the WBO Welterweight title in convincing fashion, Carlos Quintana believes that he is still getting no respect.
Going into their Saturday, June 7 rematch for Quintana’s title on Showtime Championship Boxing at 9 p.m. ET/PT and delayed on the west coast, most industry experts have the champion as the underdog to Williams.
“I feel like the respect people give me is not the respect I deserve,” Quintana said. “I feel like I have to go out and prove myself on June 7 once again.”
Going into their first bout on February 9, 2008, Quintana, 25-1 (19), was a significant underdog. He understands that he needs a great performance on Showtime to quiet the naysayers once-and-for-all.
“Last time I was a 6-1 underdog and this time I am the underdog again,” said the 31-year-old Quintana. “It doesn’t matter. It can be 20-1 for all I care. I am stronger and my training has been more intense than it was for the first fight. I know he took me lightly our first time around, so I am training harder and smarter than ever before.”
The result of their first fight was a shock for Williams, who came in with the confidence of an undefeated fighter, and perhaps overlooked Quintana.
The only blemish on Quintana’s record came in a hard-fought bout against Miguel Cotto for the WBA welterweight title on December 2, 2006 on Showtime.
Williams, 33-1 (24), of Augusta, GA, captured the belt with a close decision over Antonio Margarito, who had made seven successful defenses, on July 14, 2007.
“In the first fight, I just couldn’t get my rhythm,” Williams said. “It prevented me from fighting how I normally fight. I just have to get in there and take my title back from him. I’m going in with the mindset of the underdog looking to upset the champion.”
In the second fight of the World Championship Doubleheader at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT, Vernon Forrest will defend his WBC Super Welterweight title against Sergio Mora, the winner of the inaugural season of The Contender.
