Former Olympian Williams Gets Title Shot Against Jones

Ricardo Williams has endured throughout the good and bad times. But now, he believes he has a chance to finally achieve the goals he set out to accomplish back when he fought for his country in the 2000 Olympics, winning a silver medal in the process.

Now it all comes down to the next obstacle in his way, a battle that takes place on December 15. “Slicky Ricky,” as the Cincinnati, OH native is referred to, will be fighting the champion, Carson Jones, for the USBA welterweight championship.

Williams (19-2, 10 KOs), who came up on the wrong end of two decisions in his first 13 fights, while seeing his career completely fall apart in front of him, has reemerged with a new and bright attitude after a three year forced hiatus from the sport.

Now, with ten consecutive wins, Williams is fighting for his first professional title at Remington Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

“I’m actually feeling like I’m ahead of schedule,” said a pleased Williams. “I’m just thankful for having God in my life and the team I have behind me. Everything is in front of me to succeed and now its up to me. A win against Jones gets me to a world championship fight and to the next level.”

Jones (32-8-2, 22 KOs) likes the idea of fighting someone with a name. “I am very familiar with Ricardo from his days being an Olympian to the bumps in his professional career. I’ve scored six straight knockouts and I don’t see Williams giving me any trouble at all. This fight will not be going the distance.”

Fighting for a title “means everything to me,” Williams says. “This is something I’ve been looking forward to my whole life. I’m extremely confident in my skills, and also in my father and other coaches to study Jones and formulate a game plan. Then all I need to do is execute it.”