By Edward Chaykovsky

Nobhiro Ishida (23-6-2, 8 KOs) of Japan will once again attempt to upset the odds. After pulling off a "shock of the year" on April 9 in Las Vegas, with a one round destruction of previously undefeated James Kirkland, he will enter the ring on July 9 against the comebacking Paul "The Punisher" Williams (39-2, 27 KOs). Williams has been inactive since last November's brutal two rounds knockout loss to Sergio Martinez.

The HBO televised fight is going to take place at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, at a catch-weight of 155-pounds.

"We figured since this young man stopped Kirkland, he was hot since Kirkland was hot," said George Peterson, Williams' trainer, to ESPN.com. "We said, 'Hey, we'll fight him.' "