The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

RASHIELD Williams, fighting his first eight round bout of his professional career, went the distance to pull off a decision on points over Ramon de la Cruz Sena from Argentina on Saturday night.

In what he described as an early Father’s Day gift to himself, Williams said head difficulty shaking off his crafty opponent, known as ‘El Correntino’, but he was committed to securing the win at the Alessi Gym Fitness Center in Tampa, Florida.

“He was a veteran fighter, who had been in many fights, so it was difficult to shake him off,” said Williams, who dedicated the fight to his son Reagan, “He knew exactly what he was doing, so I couldn’t knock him out. I had to our-box him.”

With the win, his second straight for the year, the 29-year-old Williams improved his win-loss record to 8-2. The 37-year-old de la Cruz Sena fell to 23-36-5.

Compared to his previous fight when he stopped American Walter Raul Saravia at the same venue on March 18, Wiliams said he was in much better shape because he knew his opponent was no pushover.

“I was in tip top shape,” he explained. “I usually go into the ring heavy, but I was much lighter. That made the difference in my performance.”

Williams, who trains at the Contenders Boxing Gym in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is now preparing to head to the Central American and Caribbean Games where he hopes to get even lighter than he was Saturday night.

“I have to go running now. Coming off a fight like I had last night, I’m excited about what I can do,” Williams proclaimed. “But I know fighting against amateurs, you have to throw my punches because it’s only three rounds.”

The 24th edition of the CAC Games is scheduled for June 23 to July 8 in San Salvador, El Salvador, and will allow professional boxers to fight against amateur boxers.