Police: Boxer Paul Williams was driving too fast before crash that left him paralyzed

Paul Williams in an April 11, 2009 file photo. / AP Photo

(AP) MARIETTA, Ga. - Boxer Paul Williams was driving his modified sport motorcycle too fast for conditions when he crashed into an embankment, police said Tuesday.

Williams was paralyzed and has no movement from the waist down after Sunday's crash in Marietta, northwest of Atlanta, his manager George Peterson said.

The 30-year-old athlete severed his spinal cord after falling on his back and head when he was thrown from his motorcycle, Peterson said.

Williams was driving at a high rate of speed which was too fast for conditions, Marietta police said in a statement Tuesday. Police say he could not negotiate a curve, and the bike slammed into the embankment.

Williams, a fighter known as "The Punisher," is from Aiken, S.C. He was in metro Atlanta to attend his brother's wedding.

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He was scheduled to fight Saul "Canelo" Alvarez on Sept. 15 in Las Vegas but that event has been canceled, Peterson said.

Williams is among the most versatile and unusual athletes in boxing, making him a highly undesirable opponent for the world's best fighters during his lengthy, successful career. He has competed effectively in an impressive three weight classes against much shorter foes, even comfortably making the 147-pound welterweight limit despite his lanky 6-foot-2 frame.

[nohater]

wonder if a motorcycle trike is safer than the two wheel models? would think so but not for sure.

[credibility2]

An avoidable tragedy. I hope he finds something meaningful to do with his life. Perhaps in time, he could consider being a spokesperson against this type of reckless behavior and help others to think before taking chances. God bless him.

[Drivelphobe001]

You gotta love those motorcycles. A close friend, 40 years of age, crashed while doing some tricks after a race. He crushed his spine and now is paralyzed with a colostomy, permanently. What a complete waste. There is nothing but disaster waiting in the future for motorcyclists.

[hypnotoad72]

100% agreed.

Even those who do drive safely cannot be prepared for all happenstances.

And is there nothing out there at all to help tell potential motorcycle riders to be safe and sensible, just for moral consideration or "recommendations" if nothing else?

Oh well.