Boxer Paul Williams has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident near Atlanta, the fighter's promoter said, and is currently paralyzed from the waist down.
The 30-year-old Williams, who was set to fight world champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, on Sept. 15 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, cannot feel his legs.
Dan Goossen, his promoter, added that the left-handed fighter is scheduled to undergo surgery at an unidentified hospital. Williams resides in Aiken, S.C.
Goossen said he was told by Williams' manager and trainer that Williams swerved to avoid contact with a vehicle Sunday and lost control of his motorcycle.
"Riding a motorcycle can be treacherous," Goossen said of the tragedy. "I'm told Paul is in remarkably good spirits considering what has happened."
Asked if Goossen has been told Williams will never fight again, the promoter said, "Our thoughts aren't there right now. He's undergoing this procedure."
"We're hoping he can get back on his feet after that. That's all we're hoping for."
An Augusta, Ga., TV station, WRDW, reports that the boxer's surgery will aim to stabilize the healthy upper half of his spine by putting a protective wall around it.
The 6'1" Williams (41-2, 27 knockouts) defined himself as an active punching southpaw who could fight anywhere between welterweight and middleweight.
Here's wishing him the most complete and prompt recovery possible.
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