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:
Clarion to fight for WBC Youth World super flyweight title in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 04 Jun 20262026 NBA Finals: Knicks Steal Game 1 in San Antonio 105-95
By Reylan Loberternos, Thu, 04 Jun 2026LAMONT “THE REAPER” ROACH JR. AND WILLIAM “EL CAMARÓN” ZEPEDA TO BATTLE FOR THE WBC LIGHTWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Thu, 04 Jun 2026Ramirez vs. Richards - Weigh In Results
Thu, 04 Jun 2026Louisville and Boxing World commemorated 10th Anniversary of Muhammad Ali death
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Thu, 04 Jun 2026Sampson Lewkowicz: Boxing’s Picasso
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Wed, 03 Jun 2026BARRY HEARN OBE TO FUND 10 BRAND NEW APPRENTICESHIP ROLES THANKS TO MATCHROOM CHARITABLE FOUNDATION AND COACH CORE
Wed, 03 Jun 2026Olongapo to host National Age Group Chess Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 03 Jun 2026JOSEPH "JOJO" DIAZ EAGER TO REVIVE CAREER AHEAD OF JUNE 19 SHOWDOWN WITH "H2O" SYLVE
Wed, 03 Jun 2026Charly Suarez is my idol - Jhon Lowie Lastimosa
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 03 Jun 2026Josh “The Hammer” Popper: From Holy Spirit to a Heavyweight Headline at the Tropicana
Wed, 03 Jun 2026600 athletes expected in 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo tourney
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 03 Jun 2026Dagestan rivalry set to ignite Moscow: Khalidov and Yallyev clash on stacked IBA PRO 19 card
Wed, 03 Jun 2026Deep Waters rules inaugural WR Bughouse Championship
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 02 Jun 2026HE TURKI ALALSHIKH: 'AJ vs PRENGA IN JEDDAH REINFORCES SAUDI ARABIA'S POSITION AS DESTINATION FOR WORLD'S LEADING EVENTS'
Tue, 02 Jun 2026