The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BIRTHDAY boy Rashield Williams, preparing for a possible title shot in November, wasted little time in disposing of Jorge Luis Munguia of Honduras on Saturday at the Hilton Tampa Downtown, Tampa, Florida.

Williams, who celebrated his 34th birthday on September 13, stopped Munguia, a resident of Houston, Texas in a first round technical knockout.He improved his win-loss record to 9-2 with seven KOs since he moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to begin his pro career in 2019.

The welterweight (147-pound) bout lasted about one minute and 30 seconds as Munguia was dropped to 15-17 with nine knockouts.

“I watched my opponent to see what type of fighter he was because this was supposed to be a test match for me,” Williams said. “My next fight is supposed to be a belt.

“He seemed to be a good strong fighter, but he was no match for me.”

After throwing a flurry of punches, Williams connected with a straight right to the jaw of Munguia, who fell to the canvas, forcing the referee to step in to signal the end.

“The performance was good. I didn’t get a chance to break a sweat,” Williams stated. “I put in a lot of hard training, but I didn’t get a chance to really show what I can do. He couldn’t take the power. I was too strong.”

This was Williams’ third fight with as many victories for the year. He credited the training he’s getting from his coaches Steven Ray and Melvin Rivers at the Contenders Boxing Gym in Fort Lauderdale.

His previous two matches this year were at the Alessi Gym Fitness Center, Tampa where he got a TKO win over Walter Raul Saravia on March 18 and unanimous decision over Ramon De La Cruz Sena on June 17.

The wins came after Williams suffered his second loss in his career in his last fight against Elijah Flores in a split decision on October 15, 2022, at the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando.

“I feel good. I think I’m ready for it. I’m prepared,” Williams said. “This is what I’ve been waiting for. The opportunity. This is it. What God has blessed me with, I’m going to take it. I’m not going to let it pass by now. I have a lot to gain and nothing to lose.”

With a belated birthday present, Williams said he will go to a restaurant and celebrate, but he’s not going to over indulge because he knows he has to get right back into the gym to start preparing for the possible title fight.