Seth Williams vs. Tariq El-Shabazz in featured bout
Within a single 12-hour period this weekend, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams plans to box in a Saturday night charity match, then wake up early Sunday to take on the Broad Street Run.
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Within a single 12-hour period this weekend, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams plans to box in a Saturday night charity match, then wake up early Sunday to take on the Broad Street Run.
Philly criminals, take notice: This prosecutor doesn't play.
In an epic Battle of the Barristers, the indefatigable Williams will fight a friend, defense attorney Tariq El-Shabazz, in a scheduled six-minute bout Saturday night at Temple University's Liacouras Center to help the Urban League of Philadelphia.
Williams has been training with the legendary Philly fighter Bernard Hopkins.
Neither Williams nor El-Shabazz has been trash-talking. "It's all good-natured," said El-Shabazz, who recruited Williams to work in the D.A.'s Office when he worked there between 1988 and 1993.
Williams wouldn't go for any Tyson-Holyfield kind of dissonance either. He didn't have time for a prefight interview Tuesday night, but he did email his thoughts (what kind of fighters email?):
"I never knew how hard it is to be a boxer and to train," Williams wrote, terrorizing no one. "I hope I can raise some money for scholarships."
Their bout is part of a "Night at the Fights" fund-raising event that partners Joe Hand Gym with the Urban League, the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, United Way, and other nonprofits benefiting young people.
The Pennsylvania Eastern Regional Golden Gloves Championships will also be on the card, along with a number of musical acts, including Brotherly Love, El DeBarge, Low Cut Connie, Tana Black, and Chill Moody.
The idea is to create a Vegas-like night of mirth and diversion, all uppercuts and fun and games.
Tim McManus, director of public relations for Joe Hand, said Robert Keyes, who is the chairman of the board of the Urban League and the vice president/general manager of Enterprise Holdings, is also a boxer. He pitched the idea of doing a fund-raiser for his nonprofits that included boxing.
While the combatants are tough, they could use help with their boxing braggadocio.
"It's no easy thing to do," Williams said. "This is very, very difficult."
Terrifying words indeed.
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To buy tickets, go to NightAtTheFights.org or call 800-298-4200.