Former two-time welterweight titleholder Paul Williams issued a statement through his manager and trainer, George Peterson, on Monday that the “love and support from everyone” is “overwhelming,”

Williams’ message, in the wake of Friday’s surgery at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, Ga., follows his career-ending motorcycle accident on May 27 near Atlanta which left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Williams is determined to defy his prognosis, having been informed that he may never walk again, and has received prayers, cards and well wishes “from fans worldwide,” according to the statement which was e-mailed to RingTV.com from publicist Rachel Charles.

“I feel the love and support from everyone and it’s overwhelming,” said Williams, 30. “I am very thankful to all of my fans and friends who have rallied around me in a time when I need them the most.”

The surgery was intended to stabilize the healthy upper half of the spine of Williams (41-2, 27 knockouts), who is known as “The Punisher” for his crowd-pleasing, relentless, high-volume punching style.

Priot to his accident, Williams had signed to challenge WBC junior middleweight beltholder Saul “Canelo” Alvarez (40-0-1, 29 KOs) on Sept. 15 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Read more:

Q&A: Williams says he’s ‘blessed’ to be alive

Photo by Naoki Fukuda

Lem Satterfield can be reached at [email protected]