The Ascension of BoyWonder

The Boxing Prodigy of Roy Jones Jr.

Michael Williams Jr.

In the heart of Pensacola, Florida lies a home that is built on determination, blood, sweat and grit. This is where one isn’t always born to fight, but with time comes the crafting and shaping of a boxer. Michael Williams Jr., also known by his nickname BoyWonder and “150%”, is ascending his way to the top. His knowledge comes from the legendary Roy Jones Jr., and his father, Michael Williams Sr., whose nickname is “300%”.

The BoyWonder is forging his path in the ring . In their hometown of Fayetteville, NC, the Father-Son team are known for their nicknames “300%” and “150%”. When asked about the origin of the nicknames, Williams Jr., stated “It kind of started from my pops. You know, he’s 300 and I am half of that, which makes me 150. But in the end, it’s all about giving more than 100%, it is about going above and beyond your limits”. Every boxer has a team, but what makes this one special is that “300” and “150” work and travel together to shape his craft. I asked Williams Sr., “How do you separate being a dad from being a coach?” Williams Sr., answered, “I don’t because I am both. Thank God he is used to me because I’m crazy. First, I’m dad, then I’m coach, then I am criticizing, then I fuss… then I hug him! I’m just all over the place”.

You would think the boxer had a lot of supporters but in the end, it was the opposite. A lot of people discouraged Williams Jr., to become a professional boxer and with his father helping him and promoting him, the fuss does not stop. “You see, I talk sh — to promote “150” but people always take it out on him but all he does is just focus on himself” Williams Sr., mentions. The young prospect clearly isn’t affected by his objectors, being the youngest to win the WBF title and holding a record of 12–0, his actions shows he’s on the right path.

Micheal Williams Sr., (left), Roy Jones Jr. (Middle), and Micheal Williams Jr., (Right)

The prodigy has a bright future in front of him, even Roy Jones Jr., said this about his fighter. In camp, Jones Jr., stated that he wants his boxers to be themselves. From my interview last month, Williams Jr., has proved to me that he truly is one of a kind. From his wittiness, athleticism and competitiveness, Williams Jr., is himself and is doing what he loves.

The first time the boxer has ever touched gloves was at the age of 8 when his family moved from New Jersey to North Carolina. Williams Sr., stated, “my wife’s family is down here, and we figured it was time for a change, we wanted something different”. Little did the Father-Son team know, their idea of something different evolved into the path of the “BoyWonder”.

Williams Jr., gives his opponents competitiveness, but he also gives the audience a show. In a fight against Stephon McIntyre and many other fights, Williams Jr., promoted his shoes in the middle of fighting. The crowd went wild and some were surprised. Williams Sr., said “the first time “150” did that… man was I going nuts! It’s cool now but at first I said, ‘What the hell are you doing?’ but when it was over, I said … dang, that was dope!” Williams Jr., stated that when he enters the ring he’s calm; he listens to R&B music and does not over think things. “I don’t go into a fight saying, Ima do this and that, it just comes naturally”. His wit and cleverness have built character, which earns him recognition.

Roy Jones Jr’s camp approached, and Williams Jr., has traveled from Fayetteville to Pensacola to train. However, not only is Williams Jr., training for his upcoming fight, but so is Jones Jr., for what would become history in the making, Mike Tyson versus Roy Jones Jr. November 28, 2020. I asked Williams Jr., how does he feel to be known as Roy Jones Jr’s prodigy and to be training with him, his response was pure joy. “It is a blessing and a dream come true. And it’s crazy because he’s about to fight Mike Tyson in November and I’m about to go train with him, for that I am about to be part of History”. Williams Jr., is set to fight on UFC Fight Pass September 24th, 2020. The next tale of The BoyWonder will be written in the ring with his father Williams Sr., and coach Roy Jones Jr., by his side.