In a Matter of Seconds

The road stretched for almost a mile; a straight shot. I slowed down the bike to roughly 35 MPH, dropped down to 2nd gear and then popped the clutch. In probably less than 15 seconds my ride was over. I was lying on the side of the road, back and elbows scrapped up.

However what transpired in those 15 seconds or so still resonate in my mind, at least bits and pieces. Trying to hold onto a 370 pound bike, feeling my body slip off the back side as the bike’s front inched closer to the sky until I could no longer hold on. My body at the mercy of the ground as I slid for a bit seeing nothing but blue sky. All the while getting a chance to see my bike stop thanks for a telephone pole out of the corner of my eye. I was a kid maybe 130lbs soaken wet. In 2001 3197 motorcycle accidents occurred that ended in death. The number of motorcycle accidents was far higher with accidents reaching 88,000 in 2008.

My accident was 11 years ago. I was a fortunate one.

Paul “the punisher” Williams 160 pound, 6 ft 1 professional boxer, as it seems is not as fortunate. In 15 seconds or so Williams life has changed, his boxing career is on hold, as he fights to find semblance to what the next day will hold. Every day passing his new life may become a little clearer. As of now, nothing is certain. While the doctors for Williams say he will never walk again, Williams is refusing to believe the diagnosis.

Only time will tell but the outlook is grim.

Williams is not one to be questioned with ability of overcoming as in the ring he never stopped fighting, never stopped from coming forward, never quit. Williams is known for his high volume of punches and work rate in fights and many believe that this fight will be no different for Williams. Only now, his fight is with his own body. Perhaps the inevitable is already known, but for anyone that has faith and refuses to give up, anything is possible. That is where I believe Paul Williams is as we speak.

No matter what, as of now boxing has lost a truly great boxer. One of the few fighters in this era that was actually willing to fight any and all comers. A fighter that defied a 147lbs body type or a puncher at 160lbs. Paul Williams was truly one of a kind and while boxing fans mourn for what they have lost in the ring, Williams faces a tough road ahead. Boxing has an interesting relationship amongst fighters and fans. Now more than ever, a fighter needs fan support. Prayers, get well wishers on his twitter, flowers and cards to the hospital, anything to let Paul Williams and his family know, the boxing community cares about him.

Get well soon Champ.

And then…

It saddens me to write R.I.P. Johnny Tapia. The man known as “Mi Vida Loca” passed away Sunday in his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I hope you have found peace.