Training for the unknown: Unbeaten Mykquan Williams staying in boxing shape as much as possible under pandemic conditions
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 24 Mar 2020
MANCHESTER, Conn. (March 23, 2020) - Like most professional boxers, unbeaten super lightweight prospect "Marvelous" Mykquan Williams (15-0-1, 7 KOs) is making the most out of a incredibly challenging situation, as he prepares for his unknown future in boxing.
The coronavirus has shutdown boxing worldwide. Events are suspended indefinitely, boxers restricted in terms of training, and the immediate future remains tenuous at best.
Unable to train at his gym, Manchester ROCS, which is closed due to a Connecticut state order, the 21-year-old Williams is handling this pandemic in a mature manner that belies his young age. No whining, no 'poor me' feelings.
"This is a difficult time for everybody, including those of us in boxing," East Hartford (CT) resident Williams said. "There's no boxing on TV, nobody can compete, and everybody is isolated. It's just unfortunate, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Health concerns are and should always be the top priority."
Williams hasn't been in action since last October 24th, when he fought to a questionable eighth-round majority draw with Tre'Sean Wiggins, in which Williams retained his World Boxing Council (WBC) United States (USNBC) super lightweight title. Most observers felt that Williams deserved a win by decision.
Since the beginning of 2020, Williams had been training for an expected fight in the first third of the year, and he's still training to stay in shape, albeit it not the same way as if he had a confirmed fight date.
"I'm still doing some training," Williams explained. "I need to stay in shape for when the call comes after boxing returns. I'm in decent shape and when I get my next fight date, I won't have to go from zero to get ready. I want to maintain 50 to 60 percent shape and then finish off training on schedule for my next fight."
"I know Mykey has still been running," Williams' head trainer Paul Cichon added. "We're going to be back training soon. I believe everything happens for a reason. Mykey and me had a conference call with (manager) Jackie Kallen and (promoter) Lou DiBella, and we trust that, as soon as possible, Mykey will be back in action."
Because Williams doesn't turn 22 until this April 6, in addition to already being a pro boxer for nearly four years, his young boxing career figures to resume quicker and stronger than for many older boxers. Losing six months shouldn't hinder a prospect like Williams as much as a veteran who may not have nearly as much comparable quality competitive time left in the ring.
"I'm not sure if age is that big an advantage," Williams countered. "If some fighters were getting burned out because they were fighting a lot, taking time off, whether it's due to the virus or not, a break may help them come back better and stronger than when they last fought."
Williams was a five-time national amateur champion, compiling a 45-13 amateur record, highlighted by three Ringside World titles, in addition to gold medal performances at the National PAL and National Silver Gloves championship.
"I don't know when boxing will return," Williams concluded, "but boxing will never die. People will always want to see guys punching each other in the face. Boxing is a sport rich in tradition and, right now, there is still a lot of talent coming up."
And Mykquan Williams will be right at the head of that next wave when the boxing ban is finally lifted.
INFORMATION:
Twitter: @MarvelousMyke
Instagram: @M.mkw_
Facebook: /MykquanWilliams, /PaulCichon
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
RING/DAZN PPV Card Gives Bang for the Bucks
By Chris Carlson, Fri, 21 Nov 2025WEIGHTS FROM PROBOXTV’S FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS
Fri, 21 Nov 2025JC Chavez Jr to return in January 2026
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 20 Nov 2025Houston Rockets Subdue Cleveland Cavaliers, 114-104, Gain Tie for 2nd in the West
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 20 Nov 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 1: 1904 OLYMPICS AT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI, UNITED STATES
By Maloney L. Samaco, Thu, 20 Nov 2025Pacquiao, Nine Other Pinoys in Latest Ring Ratings
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 20 Nov 2025QUOTES FROM MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS LOS ANGELES OPEN WORKOUT AT WILD CARD BOXING CLUB AND LAS VEGAS OPEN WORKOUT AHEAD OF NOV. 29 FIGHT NIGHT AT PECHANGA RESORT CASINO
Thu, 20 Nov 2025Super Featherweight Sluggers ‘Tsendy’ Erdenebat and Abraham Montoya Agree to Meet in Short-Notice Co-Featured Bout on Proboxtv’s Friday Night Fights
Thu, 20 Nov 2025Cartagenas, Yu top 4th DCHS Fun Run
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 20 Nov 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 18 NOVEMBER 2025: Espinosa Defeats Khegai; Benn Gets Even With Eubank Jnr; Catterall Stops Essuman
By Eric Armit, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Paras to challenge Malajika for IBO World super flyweight title on Nov. 29 in South Africa
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Lebron James is first player to play 23 seasons in NBA history
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 19 Nov 2025Team Tira Tira Sampaloc Tres is SJDM Woodpusher Society 3X3 Rapid Chess Tournament Champion
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 19 Nov 2025RUN IT BACK! GOLDEN BOY KICKS OFF 2026 FIGHT SCHEDULE WITH NIGHT OF HIGH STAKES REMATCHES
Wed, 19 Nov 2025Boxlab Promotions “Night of Champions XIII” Undercard Bouts Announced
Wed, 19 Nov 2025