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2021 Highs & Lows for Unbeaten super lightweight “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams

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Williams and cichon.jpg
(L-R) – Mykquan Williams & Paul Cichon

 
HARTFORD (October 27, 2021) –  Unbeaten super lightweight prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (16-0-1, 7 KOs) has been on a long, strange trip in 2021, starting with his career-defining victory to date last January, unfortunately, followed by a car accident resulting in a wrist injury, leading to the entrepreneurial launch of his “Marvelous” merchandise and products, and last Thursday he became a father for the first time.

“It’s been very frustrating,” Williams said about his injury. “This is what I do; I’m a fighter. At times it has been hard, and I’ve been frustrated the entire time. I’m eager to fight again, but I need to be patient. When the time is right and I’m back 100-percent, I’ll be back in the ring, hopefully, early next year. Now, I have to build-up my wrist, strength-wise.”

Williams was in a car accident this past March 5th, in which he suffered a dislocated right wrist, popped into place that evening in the trauma unit. The next morning, Williams underwent surgery to insert four pins, which left him in a splint for 11 weeks, until the pins were removed May 15th. Therapy and exercises were all he could do, no boxing at all, until he returned to training, and he threw his first punch only three weeks ago.

When a boxer suffers a serious injury to his hands like Williams, it often leaves questions about his or her boxing future. No different for “Marvelous” Mykquan, as he admits.

“Personally,” Williams explained, “I worry about coming back close to where I was, but I keep faith and keep working. People have been very supportive. Sometimes I think about not being able to box again, but I try not to think about that, but that is positioned in my mind.”

“We’re in no rush,” Williams’ head trainer Paul Cichon noted. “We’re doing exactly what his doctors are saying. I believe he’ll be back stronger, and more focused than ever now that he has a son to consider. I think he’ll be back strong in 2022.”

Williams has taken advantage of his downtime to launch his “Marvelous Chili,” as well as a “Marvelous” clothing line and gear, and he’s also looking into purchasing property.

His is life was dramatically altered this past Thursday, when his girlfriend, Zuleyma, delivered his son, Attikus Williams, who weighed in at, as a ring announcer would say, a fit and ready 9-pounds.

Baby 3.jpg
Mykquan & Attikus Williams


As he prepares for his comeback, Williams and Cichon will promote an amateur show November 20th at a venue to be determined.
“We’re hosting the show to help kids at our gym, Manchester ROCS (in CT),” the DiBella Entertainment promoted Williams remarked. “We want to do a couple a year.”

The 23-year-old Williams has already overcome the murder of his father when Mykquan was only one, in addition to having his family house burned to the ground 10 years later. A dislocated wrist has no chance of making him less than “Marvelous.”

INFORMATION:
Facebook: /MykquanWilliams
Twitter:  @MarvelousMyke
Instagram: @M.MKW_
boxing

Unbeaten Mykquan Williams staying in boxing shape as much as possible under pandemic conditions

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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 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, @JackieKallen

Instagram: @M.mkw_, @jackie.Kallen

Facebook: /MykquanWilliams, /PaulCichon, /JackieKallen

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Celebrated manager Jackie Kallen predicts unbeaten Mykquan Williams will be her sixth world champion

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MANCHESTER, Conn. (February 12, 2020) – Women’s pioneer Jackie Kallen, the first and arguably most successful female manager in the boxing history, strongly believes unbeaten 21-year-old “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams (15-0-1, 7 KOs) will develop into her sixth world champion.

Williams, fighting out of East Hartford, CT, is the reigning the World Boxing Council (WBC) United States super lightweight champion.

“Mykey has a lot of the qualities as some of the greats in boxing,” Kallen said.  “He has some of the flash and speed of fighters like Ray Leonard, and the training habits and dedication of Thomas Hearns and Mike Tyson.  He also has a killer smile and good looks like Hector Camacho, Sr.

“Mykey can go all the way to a world title.  He has the speed, attitude, and heart, along with exceptional boxing ability.  He has been groomed perfectly by his trainer, Paul Cichon, who has kept Mykey true to his style, working hard to perfect his skill.  Mykey trains hard, eats right, and takes the game seriously.”

“Jackie’s very experienced and knowledgeable in boxing,” Williams remarked.  “She’s worked with some great, world-class fighters, so she knows the route to take for me to get there.”

Cichon added, “I sought out Jackie as our manager because of her love for the sports, as well as the knowledge of that she brings to the table.  She’s very well respected, as she certainly deserves to be.”

Boxing has dramatically changed since Kallen covered her first fight for a Detroit daily newspaper in 1978.  The card showcased Hearns and Mickey Goodwin.  She became an instant fan and wrote about boxing on a regular basis.  A legendary trainer/manager based in Detroit, Emanuel Steward, hired her as a publicist for his famed Kronk Gym.  Some of her best friends to this day are fighters who she worked with back then.  She and Hearns still get together.

After serving as Kronk’s publicist for a decade, Kallen decided to branch out and she started managing fighters.  Her first client was heavyweight Bobby Hitz, who today is a successful promoter and restaurateur in Chicago.  She went on to manage a group of Who’s Who fighters, including world champions James Toney, Bronco McKart, Tom “Boom Boom” Johnson, Pinklon Thomas andNonito Donaire.

Kallen, who overcame sexism in the boxing industry, is best known, perhaps, for her working relationship with Toney, largely because her life during that period was the inspiration for the popular 2004 movie, Against the Ropes, starring Meg Ryan as Kallen.

“Boxing today is a totally different animal,” she explained. “That’s not to say it’s better or worse, just different.  There used to be more gyms in every city, heavy amateur programs, lots of shows on television networks, and enough local club shows to keep a young fighter active.  I had guys back then who fought 8 to 10 times a year, which, of course, is almost impossible in 2020.

“There wasn’t as much information available on opponents either.  If you were lucky, you could buy a tape. If the fighter hadn’t been on television, though, you were out of luck.  There was no Internet, so there was nothing like BoxRec to check opponents’ records.  You just had to believe the matchmaker.  I had fighters expecting to fight a 14-4 guy who found out at the weigh in that he was actually 16-0.”

Boxing, likely the second-oldest profession, has continued to survive, albeit often on a roller-coaster ride.

“Today’s fighters are not as quick to fight each other as they were in the days of Hearns/Hagler/Leonard/Duran,” Kallen noted.  “Back then, fighters wanted to really fight to be the best they could be.  I see fighters today being more analytical and taking less chances.

“There are also more sanctioning organizations today.  Back then it was most the WBA, WBC and IBF.  Not to mention there was never one person who managed dozens and dozens of boxers at the same time.  The game has definitely changed!”

Kallen, though is still heavily invested in the sport she loves.  Confident Williams will be her next world champion, her dream is to be inducted into the Hall of Fame with Toney. 

“In 1992,” Kallen concluded, “I was named ‘Manager of the Year’ and my love for the sport has never waned.  As long as there is talent out there needing guidance, I will stay active.”

INFORMATION:

Twitter:  @MarvelousMyke, @JackieKallen

Instagram: @M.mkw_, @jackie.Kallen

Facebook: /MykquanWilliams, /PaulCichon, /JackieKallen

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Unbeaten Mykquan Williams learned invaluable lesson for future

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 Picture by Emily Harney / Team Williams
 
MANCHESTER, Conn. (November 4, 2019) – The true test for a genuine boxing prospect is how he or she responds to adversity, whether it included a loss, cut, knockdown or, in the case of “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams, a disputed decision that tarnished his perfect pro record.
 
The 21-year-old Williams, now 15-0-1 (7 KOs), was recently on the short end of a highly disputed eight-round draw with Tre’Sean Wiggins (11-4-3, 6 KOs), in the “Broadway Boxing” main event held at Generoso Pope Athletic Complex on the campus of St. Francis College in Brooklyn.
 
Nobody claimed the questionable decision was highway robbery, yet, most non-partisan fans at the show, or those watching live on UFC FIGHT PASS®, felt Williams rightfully deserved to have his arms raised in victory. Despite having a blemish placed on his pro record, he didn’t suffer a loss, and did  retain his World Boxing Council (WBC) United States super lightweight title.  
 
Williams’ opponent was a southpaw with a five-inch height advantage. Once he felt Williams’ power, especially in the liver, Wiggins went into survival mode, clutching and grabbing every time Williams got close.
 
Neither Williams nor his head trainer, Paul Cichon, was pleased when the judges’ scores were announced – 77-75 in favor of Williams, 76-76 twice – for a majority draw. Never-the-less, both feel that this developmental lesson will pay dividends down the road.
 
“The plan was for me to work inside,” Williams said after the fight. “The first and second were feeling out rounds and then I’d adjust. I didn’t feel from the start that he could hurt me. I wanted to get inside and beat him with body punches. I did that but I think I played to the crowd a little too much. I’d change that if I could go back. And I would have let my hands go more, but I won this fight because I landed the harder, cleaner more effective shots throughout the fight. He just wanted to hold.
 
“I’m disappointed because I was defending my title, but I didn’t lose the fight and I still have my belt. I ll have a lot to learn and I’ll be back in the gym soon to fix errors I made so that I won’t have those issues my next fight.”
 
Cichon felt that Williams won five if not six rounds because he was the aggressor throughout the match. “I was surprised,” he admitted. “Mykye was the champion and I thought that he (Wiggins) would have needed to win convincingly to win rounds. He didn’t. Mykye started using his double jab to get inside and then he killed his opponent’s body. The body shots brought Wiggins’ hands down. Mykye stalked and hurt him a few times.
 
“Mykye learned a valuable lesson like not letting the crowd get to him, and never letting up on the gas.Wiggins was smart. Every time Mykye got close to him, he grabbed him, especially after he felt Mykye’s powerful body shots. It may have been ugly, but he fought smart.”
 
Team Williams agrees that there’s no sense rushing Williams, after all, he’s only 21, but that 2020 should be an active, career-changing year for the East Hartford (CT) fighter.
 
“I’m ready to fight at the next level,” Williams concluded. “Time will tell. Styles make fights but I hurt him (Wiggins) several times.”
 
“We’ll jump back in the ring in early 2020,” Cichon added. “We’re looking to fight opponents with winning records, but not another six-foot southpaw.”
 
“I was very proud of Mykey,” Williams’ manager Jackie Kallen commented. It was a learning experience that will make him an even greater fighter. He is still undefeated and one of the top young prospects in the 140-pound division. The next year will be a pivotal one for him.” 
 
INFORMATION:
 
Twitter: @MarvelousMyke, @JackieKallen
Instagram: @M.mkw_, @jackie.Kallen
Facebook: /MykquanWilliams, /PaulCichon, /JackieKallen
 
boxing

“Marvelous” Mykquan Williams Meet-and-Greet & Back to School Backpack Giveaway a KO

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Everybody had a good time with “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams
(Photo gallery below, courtesy of Emily Harney / Team Williams) 

MANCHESTER, Conn. (August 22, 2019) — Even dangerous thunderstorms and tornado warnings couldn’t deter fans from attending yesterday’s meet-and-greet and back to school backpack give-way with undefeated super lightweight prospect “Marvelous” Mykquan Williams, presented by DiBella Entertainment and Team Williams, at ROCS Gym in Manchester, Connecticut.
 
Williams signed autographs, posed for pictures and gave each child (K-12) a free backpack for school.
 
The 21-year-old Williams (15-0, 7 KOs), who lives in East Hartford (CT), has an inspiring story in which his father was murdered when Mykquan was eight months old, and the family house burned to the ground when he was 10.
 
“Everything went very well,” a happy Williams said. “All the kids got a backpack and had a good time. My team made it possible for me to do it. Shout out to DiBella Entertainment, Wet Paint and Capital Bail Bonds. I did this event to give back to the community but, more importantly, help parents who may have a little bit of difficulty getting everything their kids need for school.”
 
Williams is the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) United States super lightweight champion, who is rated No. 5 by the United States Boxing Association (USBA), and No. 12 by the North American Boxing Federation (NABF).
 
He is promoted by Lou DiBella, managed by Jackie Kallen and trained by Paul Cichon.


 
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DiBella Entertainment signs Conn. Teenage Prospect Mykey Williams

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(photo by Emily Harney)
NEW YORK, N.Y. (June 28, 2016) – DiBella Entertainment has announced the signing of E. Hartford, Connecticut 18-year-old welterweight prospect Mykquan “Mykey” Williams (1-0, 1 KO) to an exclusive promotional contract.
Williams, who is currently finishing his junior year at A.I. Prince Technical School in Hartford, was a decorated amateur boxer with a 45-13 amateur record, highlighted by three gold-medal performances at the Ringside World Championships, in addition to winning the PAL Tournament and Silver Gloves Championships.
“I am thrilled to sign such a hungry, young prospect like Mykey Williams,” said Lou DiBella. “Williams is an accomplished amateur and Jackie Kallen certainly has an eye for spotting great talent. He already has a growing fan base in the New England area and I am confident that he will quickly develop into a rising prospect.”
“Signing with DiBella was the best move for me,” Williams commented. “I’m excited to be fighting under the DiBella banner now. He’s a great promoter who will help me get to the world-class level in this sport. I’m just happy that the ball is finally rolling!”
Williams has already overcome tremendous obstacles during his young life, including the shooting murder of his father when Mykey was only one week old, and then his house burned down 10 years later.
Paul Cichon, a 2014 Conn. Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, has trained Williams since he was seven. “If anybody had a reason to go the wrong way, it was Mykey,” Cichon added. “But he’s a great kid who is a hard worker and is always happy with a positive attitude.  He’s a boxer who can punch and when he sets up his opponent, watch out, because he’s in big trouble. Mykey is a great finisher who moves well and has good defense. He’s a left-hander who goes to the body to breakdown his opponent. Mykey’s slick and hard to hit, but he’s also unique because he’s a naturally gifted athlete who could have excelled at any sport he chose.”
Although Williams made his successful professional debut on April 16th at Foxwoods Resorts Casino in a card promoted by DiBella Entertainment, he will make his DiBella Entertainment debut this Thursday night (June 30) at Foxwoods in a four-round bout.
“I haven’t been this excited about a fighter since I signed James Toney in 1989,” famed boxing manager Jackie Kallen exclaimed. “Mykey Williams is the real deal. His future is unlimited and we are thrilled to partner up with DiBella Entertainment to make it all happen.”
For more information, visit www.DBE1.com, follow on Twitter @LouDiBella and @MarvelousMyke or become a fan on Facebook www.Facebook.com/DiBellaEntertainment.