Hamzah Sheeraz announced himself as a legitimate middleweight contender as he destroyed former world title challenger Liam Williams in the opening round of their 12-round fight at The Copper Box Arena in London.

In the opening seconds of the contest, Sheeraz dropped Williams with a left hook. Williams continued to get rocked and then ate a huge right uppercut that put him on the deck for a second time. Sheeraz continued to batter Williams until the corner that was run by former world title challenger Gary Lockett threw in the towel and the fight was over at 2:36

Sheeraz, 159.4 lbs of ilford, ENG is 19-0 with 15 knockouts. Williams, 159 lbs of Wales is 25-5-1.

Former two-time world title challenger Anthony Yarde stopped Marko Nikolic in round three of their 10-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Yarde landed a right hand that put Nikolic on the canvas.. Then it was a left hook to the body that put Nikolic on a knee. In round three, Yarde sent Nikolic to the canvas again with a body shot and the fight was stopped at 1:15.

Yarde, 177.7 lbs of Milford, ENG is now 25-3 with 24 knockouts. Nikolic, 179 lbs of Belgrade, SRB is now 32-4.

Sam Noakes kept his perfect knockout record intact with a fourth round stoppage over Lewis Sylvester in a scheduled 12-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Noakes dropped Sylvester with a left hook to the body. Noakes was relentless in dropping him again with a right to the body. In round four, Noakes landed several hard rights to the head and another right to the body put Sylvester down again and the fight was stopped when the towel was thrown in at 2:10

Noakes, 134.3 lbs of Kent, ENG is 13-0 with 13 knockouts. Sylvester, 133.6 lbs of Hull, ENG is 13-1.

Masood Abdullah stopped Qais Ashfaq in round five of their 10-round super featherweight bout.

In round five, Abdullah dropped Ashfaq with an uppercut. Seconds later, Abdullah dropped Ashfaq with a right hook. With the end near, Abdullah went in and dropped Ashfaq for a tried time just as the corner was throwing in the towel at 2:02

Abdullah, 125.7 lbs of London is 10-0 with seven knockouts. Ashfaq, 134 lbs of Yorkshire is 12-3.

Umar Khan remained undefeated with a third-round stoppage over Maicol Velazco in a six-round featherweight bout.

Khan battered Velazco until the fight was stopped ay

Khan, 128 lbs of Elord, ENG is 9-0 with one knockout. Velazco, 129.2 lbs of Italy via Colombia is 10-15.

Billy Adams won a four-round decision over Engel Gomez in a lightweight bout.

Adams, 132 lbs of England won by a 40-36 score and is now 2-0. Gomez, 133 lbs of Slovakia via Nicaragua is 8-24-2.

6’7″ cruiserweight Tommy Fletcher stopped Alvaro Terrero in round three of their eight-round bout.

Fletcher badly bloodied the nose of Terrero and the fight was stopped at 1:20 of round three.

Fltecher, 202.5 lbs of Norfolk, ENG is 7-0 with six knockouts. Terrero, 204.13 lbs of Spain is 5-20-2.

IT IS ALL systems go for this Saturday on TNT Sports with the captivating clash of the middleweights between young contender Hamzah Sheeraz and former world title challenger Liam Williams in the main event at the Copper Box Arena, with the WBC Silver and Commonwealth titles on the line.

Sam Noakes and Lewis Sylvester will go into battle for the British lightweight title, plus we have the return of Anthony Yarde. The fighters gathered today in London for the final press conference and below are a selection of key quotes from the headline fighters.

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WBC Silver & Commonwealth Middleweight Contest 12 x 3 Minute Rounds
Hamzah Sheeraz 159.4lbs
Liam Williams 159lbs

WBC silver International & Commonwealth & vacant British & vacant WBO international Lightweight Championships 12 x 3 Minute Rounds
Sam Noakes 134.6lbs
Lewis Slyvester 133.6lbs

Commonwealth Silver Featherweight Championship 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Masood Abdullah 125.7lbs
Qais Ashfaq 134.13lbs

International Light-Heaveight Contest 10 x 3 Minute Rounds
Anthony Yarde 177.7lbs
Marko Nikolic 179.6lbs

International Light-Heavyweight Contest 8 x 3 Minute Rounds
Karol Itauma 181.12lbs
Eros Seghetti 182.13lbs

International Cruiserweight Contest 6  x 3 Minute Rounds
Tommy Fletcher 202.5lbs
Alvaro Terrero 204.13lbs

International Cruiserweight Contest 6  x 3 Minute Rounds
Aloys Junior 204.6lbs
Miloslav Savic  To Weigh-in Tomorrow

International Featherweight Contest 6  x 3 Minute Rounds
Umar Khan 128lbs
Maicol Velazco 129.2lbs

International Lightweight Contest 4 x 3 Minute Rounds
Billy Adams 132.5lbs
Engel Gomez 133.9lbs

International Super-Featherweight Contest 4  x 3 Minute Rounds
Charlie Hickford – 127.4lbs
Yin Caicedo – 126.7lbs

International Middleweight Contest 4  x 3 Minute Rounds
Sam King – 160lbs
Bartos Glowacki – 159.13lbs

IT IS ALL systems go for this Saturday on TNT Sports with the captivating clash of the middleweights between young contender Hamzah Sheeraz and former world title challenger Liam Williams in the main event at the Copper Box Arena, with the WBC Silver and Commonwealth titles on the line.

Sam Noakes and Lewis Sylvester will go into battle for the British lightweight title, plus we have the return of Anthony Yarde. The fighters gathered today in London for the final press conference and below are a selection of key quotes from the headline fighters.

Liam Williams
“Camp has gone really, really well and I’ve trained my nuts off! I am ready and, if I’m not ready now, I never will be. I feel like I’ve turned back the clock a little bit and I’ve got that killer instinct back. I’ve been digging in and putting the work in because I want to be the best. I’m ready.

“He did ruin my Christmas a little bit. I was hoping for the fight in December and then have a bit of a chill out for a couple of weeks, but it didn’t do me any harm and I stayed fit over Christmas. If anything, it has made me better for this fight now. I still had a little runout.

“This the real one and where we want to be now. I don’t know why they have picked me and I think it is a bad mistake. They are bringing me in to get beat by this guy. He’s very good, he’s talented, big for the weight and the list goes on, really. I don’t think I am the right one for the job and you have brought in the wrong guy.

“I would have done exactly the same to every person he’s knocked out and that is no disrespect because he can only beat whoever is put in front of him. No, it is not a padded record, he’s had a couple of good wins, but I don’t think he has been in with someone yet who has really tested him and stuck it on him.

“On Saturday night we are going to see how he holds up to that.”

Hamzah Sheeraz
“I am just looking forward to it, I’ve put in the work and I don’t really have much to say. Saturday night, let’s go. He has always looked dangerous, to be fair, he’s got a lot of knockouts and the respect is there. I’d be a fool not to.

“In terms of this camp, I have prepared for the best version of him come Saturday night. In my head the best version still exists and, if I didn’t think otherwise, I wouldn’t have prepared like I have.

“It is my time to shine now. I know you hear that all the time, but if I win on Saturday in good fashion there are big things for me in 2024.

“I’d like to think he can take me into the second half of the fight because there needs to be a point in your career when you go past certain rounds to answer questions and whatnot. If that doesn’t happen I won’t be complaining.

“The ideal night is a Hamzah Sheeraz win, it all depends on that. For me to achieve my dreams and make people proud, I have to put on a performance. A stoppage is the plan and I don’t see why I can’t do it. The way I work and my mentality is elite level. I am rubbing shoulders with great champions in LA and only learning off them.”

HAMZAH SHEERAZ IS hoping that, should he overcome Liam Williams in his biggest fight to date at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, the marquee middleweight names on the British scene will accept an invitation to take him on.

The undefeated Sheeraz goes up against the two-weight former British champion and world title challenger Williams with his WBC Silver and Commonwealth championship belts on the line.

In the event of victory in London, Sheeraz aims to be rewarded for his sterling progression in the division with a blockbuster 2024 featuring fights against established names like Chris Eubank Jr or Liam Smith, along with the hugely popular British champion Nathan Heaney.

First of all, however, Sheeraz is fully aware that he has serious business to attend to on Saturday.

“I’m not and won’t look past Liam Williams as he is the priority,” said the Ilford 160-pounder. “I will sit down with my team and God willing I will know after Saturday’s performance that there is big names in the division for me to fight.

“Eubank Jr, Liam Smith or the British champion Nathan Heaney, that is the goal for me and, after Saturday night, everyone is going to see that I’m ready for those fights, inshallah.”

Tune in for Fight Night Live from the Copper Box Arena on Saturday from 7pm on TNT Sports 1.

SAM NOAKES WILL fight English champion Lewis Sylvester at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday 10 February in the chief support to the mighty middleweight clash between Hamzah Sheeraz and Liam Williams, live on TNT Sports.

The Commonwealth and WBC International Silver belts currently owned by the 12-0 (12 KOs) Noakes will be on the line against the undefeated 13-0 (4 KOs) man from Hull.

Two-time World title challenger Anthony Yarde (24-3, 23) will return to action over 10 rounds at light heavyweight ahead of major title challenges in 2024.

The recently crowned Commonwealth Silver featherweight champion Masood Abdulah (9-0, 6) will make a first defence of his belt against the 2016 Olympian Qais Ashfaq (12-2, 5).

Sylvester, 25, won the vacant English title when he defeated the previously unbeaten Adam Cope in Sheffield via a unanimous verdict last July, before making a blistering first defence against Jimmy First in October when he took just over two minutes to complete the job.

Noakes has been on the title trail since the end of 2021 when he stopped Shaun Cooper for his WBC honour, before adding the Commonwealth to his cabinet with a fourth-round stoppage of Calvin McCord in November 2022. The charismatic Maidstone man extended his knockout run to 12 in December when Carlos Perez was accounted for in the fourth round at York Hall.

Islington’s Abdulah defeated Marc Leach in October to win his maiden title as a professional and he goes up against Leeds man Ashfaq, who dropped a split decision in challenge for the British super featherweight title against Liam Dillon in July

Also featuring at the Copper Box will be the WBC International super lightweight champion Pierce O’Leary (13-0, 7) making a third defence of his belt. While light heavyweight Karol Itauma (10-1, 7) continues his journey over eight rounds.

Cruiserweights Tommy Fletcher (5-0, 4) and Aloys Jr (5-1, 5), as well as welterweight Khalid Ali (7-0, 3) and featherweight Umar Khan (8-0) will fight over six rounds, with 1-0 newcomers Sam King (middleweight), Billy Adams (lightweight) and Charlie Hickford (super featherweight) having their second four round encounters.

“We are in for a busy night at the Copper Box in our first show of the year on February 10,” said promoter Frank Warren. “The main event speaks for itself, and I believe Hamzah Sheeraz and Liam Williams will deliver a captivating spectacle.

“The time has come for Sam Noakes to stake his claim at the top of the domestic scene, and we should be in for a cracking fight when he goes up against the undefeated English champion Lewis Sylvester, who will view this as his gateway to more big nights on a TV platform.

“The undercard is stacked, and fans can look forward to Anthony Yarde getting back into business in a 10-rounder before he returns to major title action a little further down the line. Pierce O’Leary and Masood Abdulah can also stake their claim to be part of headline fights over the course of this year.

“Our top prospects are also on parade, and I am particularly looking forward to seeing the rivalry between our knockout pair of cruiserweights, Tommy Fletcher and Aloys Jr, develop as they seek to out-do each other before, one day, they get to do it for real.”

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams on 10 February 2024 at the Copper Box Arena are on sale now available from ticketmaster.co.uk.

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Copper Box Arena, managed by GLL, a charitable social enterprise and worker-owned cooperative, operating under the community-brand, Better.

THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED middleweight collision between Hamzah Sheeraz and Liam Williams has got a new date and will take place on Saturday 10 February at London’s Copper Box Arena, live on TNT Sports.

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams are on sale at 12pm tomorrow (Friday 15 December) available from ticketmaster.co.uk.

The fight between the undefeated Sheeraz and former world title challenger Williams was originally set to go ahead in early December before Sheeraz suffered a perforated eardrum in training that forced the fight into 2024.

Now the fiercest test of the Ilford man’s professional career to date is back on and Sheeraz is already hard at work preparing over in Los Angeles, where he has been for the last week, with trainer Ricky Funez at the Ten Goose Boxing Gym.

During the recovery period of Sheeraz, Williams, 31, reminded us all that he has lost none of his old menaces by making more or less a minute’s work of Florin Cardos at York Hall at the end of November.

With a new date now booked in, festive celebrations for both men are now firmly put on hold.

“I am back in the flow of things now, grafting away,” reported 24-year-old Sheeraz. “Like I said last time, I think this is the perfect fight for me and it is not one that I can really take lightly. Hopefully, God willing, it will be a good camp and come February 10 I will get the job done in a good fashion and I will be a name that the middleweights start calling out and wanting to fight.

“Festivities are cancelled for me this year. Normally we do a little dinner and whatnot together with all the family because it is an excuse to do so. This will be the first time in my whole boxing career that I will have to grind through it. Sacrifice is nothing new to me and it is what you have to do to get to the top and go that extra mile to make it happen.”

To have a fight date confirmed, one that can reboot his middleweight prospects, Welshman Williams is happy to ditch the Christmas trimmings, even though with two children, he knows temptation will not be completely removed from his household.

“I am over the moon now the fight has been rescheduled,” said the KO-artist from Clydach Vale. “It is obviously not the best time with Christmas just around the corner now. With having kids it is going to be a little bit more difficult and there is gonna be a lot of food hanging about the house!

“There is obviously a lot on the line for me. It is a big opportunity with the belt we are fighting for and, realistically, I need to win if I want to get back onto that world title stage.”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “I really believe we are in for something very special at the Copper Box on February 10. It will be a classic collision of youth versus experience, a young fighter on the up against one looking to prove he still belongs.

“It provides a cracking fight to kick us off in 2024 a week before we head over to Riyadh for the big undisputed heavyweight fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk.

“I believe Hamzah is destined to reach the very top, but he will be tested like never before against Liam. This is a fight not to be missed.”

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams on 10 February 2024 at the Copper Box Arena, Stratford go on sale at 12pm tomorrow (Friday 15 December) available from ticketmaster.co.uk.

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Copper Box Arena, managed by GLL, a charitable social enterprise and worker-owned cooperative, operating under the community-brand, Better.

THE QUEENSBERRY NEWCOMER Gavin Gwynne will fight for the vacant European lightweight championship at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday December 2 in support of the big middleweight showdown between Hamzah Sheeraz and Liam Williams, live on TNT Sports. 

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams on Saturday, 2 December at the Copper Box are on sale now available from: ticketmaster.co.uk.

Gwynne (16-2-1, 4) will take on the veteran unbeaten Italian Emiliano Marsili (42-0-1, 16) for the EBU title following his signing of a multi-fight promotional deal with Frank Warren and Queensberry.

The 33-year-old, who joined the professional ranks in 2016 and became Welsh champion just over 12 months later, became holder of the Lonsdale belt in April 2022 following victory over Luke Willis before twice defending against fellow Welshman Craig Woodruff, with the first meeting scored a draw.

A pivotal fight for the Merthyr Tydfil-born star came when he upset the odds to defeat home fighter Sean McComb in February 2021, overwhelming the Irishman into a seventh round retirement to win the Commonwealth title. This followed unsuccessful challenges for the British title against Joe Cordina and James Tennyson.

Marsili, the 47-year-old southpaw, first won the vacant European title back in 2013 via a second round stoppage of the previously unbeaten Luca Giacon and subsequently made four successful defences of the belt. He won the vacant title back in 2022 with a points success over Frank Urquiaga and last fought in December of last year, recording a second round stoppage.

In 2012, Marsili travelled to the Liverpool Olympia and stopped home favourite Derry Mathews in the seventh round to win the IBO world lightweight title.

Also at lightweight, knockout artist Sam Noakes (11-0, 11) will defend his WBC International Silver title at the Copper Box, with his iBox Gym teammate Pierce O’Leary (13-0, 7) making a defence of his WBC International super lightweight championship belt.

Raven Chapman (7-0, 2) is scheduled to make a third defence of her WBC International featherweight title.

Cruiserweight talent Oronzo Birardi (6-0, 5) from Mainz in Germany will fight over eight rounds, with super lightweight Sonny Liston Ali (6-0) and Featherweight Umar Khan (7-0) in action over six.

“This is another bumper card for the fans following up on the Magnificent 7 show up in Manchester a couple of weeks before,” said promoter Frank Warren.

“It is a strong line-up of fights with a couple still to be added and I am delighted to welcome Gavin Gwynne to our ranks and get him going with a fully deserved European title shot against remarkable opponent in Emiliano Marsili, who is undefeated at the age of 47 after 43 fights at a high level.

“Our iBox Gym brigade is out in force with Sam Noakes and Pierce O’Leary all set for big fights, plus Raven Chapman with a defence of her WBC belt ahead of very significant fights next year.”

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams on Saturday, 2 December at the Copper Box are on sale now available from: ticketmaster.co.uk.

UNDEFEATED MIDDLEWEIGHT STAR, Hamzah Sheeraz, will face the most severe test of his career to date when he takes on former world title challenger Liam Williams at the Copper Box Arena on Saturday, 2 December, live on TNT Sports.

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams go on sale at 12pm on Tuesday, 10 October available from: ticketmaster.co.uk

Sheeraz (18-0, 4 KOs), the WBC Silver champion, comes into the fight off the back of two hugely impressive quick stoppages over River Wilson-Bent and Dmytro Mytrofanov, who were both brutally dispatched in the second round.

The 26-year-old is making a third defence of his WBC belt and a second defence of the Commonwealth title he won against Wilson-Bent.

Welshman Williams (24-4-1, 19) returned to winning ways in November with a quick-fire victory over Nizar Trimech at York Hall after being on the wrong end of two 12 round points decisions against then middleweight world champion Demetrius Andrade and Chris Eubank jr.

Prior to his Andrade encounter, the 31-year-old became a two-weight British champion and embarked on a run of wins at middleweight that saw him win the WBC Silver and WBO Intercontinental titles in a five-fight reign of terror that resulted in as many showreel stoppages.

Sheeraz believes success against a fighter of the calibre and profile of Williams will serve to raise his own stock in British fight fan circles.

“It is definitely a great fight and a great fight for me at this stage of my career,” he reasoned. “Obviously, for him, it is a comeback fight and if he were to beat me, he would be back on the scene again, but this is a fight I feel I am more than ready for.

“It is something I almost need to get the attention of the British public. He has fought for world titles, and it is definitely my hardest fight to date, but it is a challenge I am relishing, and I know what I can do.

“I’ve just got to go in there and do what I do best. People have got to remember though, that he is a dangerous fighter with a lot to prove and he will come in hungry. I’ve got to prepare for the best version of Liam Williams.”

‘The Machine’ Williams is looking forward to getting back into championship contention on his previous stage.

“I am excited to be back on TNT Sports,” he said. “It is a really great platform, and I am excited for the fight. I think it is one all the people want to see, and I saw that fans are getting excited about it after one or two things leaked out on social media.

“People seem to be loving the idea of this fight already. Hamzah is a very good fighter and is obviously very tall and rangy, he can punch a bit and, overall, it will be a good challenge and one that I am really up for.

“I cannot wait for December, so bring it on!”

Promoter Frank Warren added: “This has got all the makings of a middleweight classic. We know all about Liam from working with him for a large part of his career and he always delivers the goods, entertainment-wise, plus he is a ferocious competitor.

“Making this fight for Hamzah shows the confidence we have in him and how impressed we have been with his development as a middleweight force.

“This will be his toughest fight, no question about it. Liam has operated at the top level and, should Hamzah overcome him, he will be ready to take the step up himself.

“Most of all, I am sure it will be a thrilling fight from start to finish.”

Tickets for Sheeraz vs Williams on Saturday, 2 December at the Copper Box go on sale at 12pm on Tuesday, 10 October available from: ticketmaster.co.uk

December 10, 2021 – Salita Promotions has added the recently launched PPV.com platform from iNDEMAND to the list of U.S. and Canadian outlets where fans can purchase the world title defense of boxing superstar and first-ever two-division undisputed world champion Claressa “GWOAT” Shields live on pay-per-view, as she takes on undefeated #1 ranked challenger Ema Kozin on Saturday, January 29 in Cardiff, Wales.

PPV.com adds a streaming service to iNDEMAND’s existing cable PPV infrastructure and is the only PPV streamer to offer interactive fan engagement during live-action sports events. PPV.com allows viewers to interact with other fans, post comments, and upload video selfies, in addition to other activities.

“It’s very exciting to be partnered with iNDEMAND as one of the first events featured on their new PPV.com platform,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “It is fitting that one of those first offerings will be a superstar of Claressa Shields’ caliber, as she makes her long-awaited U.K. debut against the talented and highly-motivated Ema Kozin. I know that Claressa is looking to make a statement in this fight and we’re thrilled to be able to deliver her matchup, plus three other exciting bouts, to her fanbase in the U.S. and Canada.”

Mark Boccardi, SVP, Programming & Marketing for iNDEMAND, said, “With the addition of PPV.com to our robust cable PPV distribution infrastructure, we now can provide fight promoters like Salita Promotions a one-stop shop to distribute their programming across all PPV platforms, whether on TV or online. We’re also proud to offer consumers a streaming PPV service that’s easy to find, easy to use, and provides interactive features that fans won’t get on any other PPV service during live-action sports.”

The January 29 event will be carried in North America across all PPV platforms, including streaming, cable, satellite and telco. On TV, boxing fans can order the event through Xfinity, Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.), as well as leading operators in Canada. Complete PPV distribution details can be found below.

Shields will defend her WBC, WBA and IBF titles against the WBC’s #1 ranked challenger, the undefeated Slovenian Kozin (21-0-1, 11 KOs), in the co-main event of the card which also features U.K. stars Chris Eubank Jr. and Liam Williams in the highly-anticipated middleweight main event. Additional bouts on the pay-per-view telecast will be announced shortly. The bout was originally scheduled for December 11, but was rescheduled after an injury to Williams.

Shields vs. Kozin is the first in a lucrative multi-fight deal Salita Promotions secured for Claressa with broadcaster SKY Sports in the U.K, and a bout that can set up a highly-anticipated showdown with Savannah Marshall in 2022. Marshall owns an amateur victory over Shields, the only boxing defeat she has ever suffered in the amateur or pro ranks. Shields must emerge victorious on January 29 to clinch her long-awaited revenge match against Marshall.

HOW TO WATCH THE January 29 – Claressa Shields vs. Ema Kozin PPV

TV: Cable, satellite & telco PPV providers, including Xfinity, ____________Spectrum, Contour, Fios, and Optimum, among others (U.S.), as ____________well as leading operators in Canada.
Streaming: PPV.com and FITE.TV

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS
Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the Salita Promotions YOUTUBE CHANNEL for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action.

The highly-anticipated domestic clash between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Williams has been rescheduled to Saturday 29th January at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, kicking off a huge year of live boxing on Sky Sports.

Originally scheduled for December 11, the bout – presented by BOXXER and Sky Sports Boxing, in association with Wasserman Boxing – moves to the new year as a result of Williams suffering a recurrence of the shoulder injury sustained during his world title fight against Demetrius Andrade in April.

Following a series of scans and consultations with medical experts, Williams has been advised that the flare-up can be treated without surgery and that the bout can take place at the end of January.

Tensions between the two rivals were already running high, following years of heated invective around their mutual claim to being the #1 middleweight in the UK. The added build-up time is expected to take those tensions to new heights and set the stage for an explosive showdown in the Welsh capital.

“We were obviously disappointed to hear of Liam Williams’ injury but thankfully we will only have to wait a few more weeks to witness this blockbuster clash. Chris Eubank Jr vs. Liam Williams is the biggest fight in British boxing right now,” said Kalle Sauerland, Head of Global Boxing at Wasserman.

“There is genuine bad blood between them, and their rivalry is only going to intensify as we get closer to fight night. This is the match up everyone has been waiting to see. The atmosphere in Cardiff is going to be incredible when these two warriors finally meet in the centre of the ring to settle their differences.”

“We were absolutely gutted to hear of Liam’s injury and so we are equally delighted to get this fight back on, in a matter of weeks, to ensure Liam’s 100% fitness. The bitterness and mind-games towards each other has only intensified during this period, and by the time they get into the ring it will be at boiling point. I’m glad the fans will get the chance to see the fight that they desperately wanted,” said Ben Shalom, Founder and CEO, BOXXER.

“This was going to be the biggest domestic fight of 2021. Now it’s going to be the biggest domestic fight of 2022 and it’s starting the Sky Sports Boxing new year with a bang. It’s a great card from top to bottom and we can’t wait to feel the atmosphere in the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff on fight night. It’s going to be electric.”

“We’ve got to wait a few more weeks for Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Williams, an unexpected twist in a heated rivalry which has just become even more intense. There was real tension as Eubank and Williams filmed ‘The Gloves Are Off’ in Sky Studios recently, so you can expect a classic British battle when they finally share the ring,” said Adam Smith, Head of Boxing Development at Sky Sports.

“We’re planning a blockbuster schedule which will be stronger than ever at the start of 2022, with Josh Taylor also defending his undisputed world titles in February – and there are more exciting announcements to come very soon!”

*Tickets purchased that have the original fight date of 11 December 2021 will be still be valid for the rescheduled date of 29 January 2022. For a full refund please go to your original point of purchase.*

Cardiff, Wales (November 11, 2021) The long-running rivalry between Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Williams will be settled in explosive fashion on Saturday, December 11 in a highly-anticipated showdown promoted by BOXXER and Wasserman Boxing at the Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, live and exclusive on Sky Sports.

Eubank (31-2, 23 KO’s) and Williams (23-3, 18 KO’s) both lay claim to being the #1 middleweight in the UK and have traded verbal jabs numerous times in recent years. Now Eubank is taking the fight to Williams’ doorstep as he heads to the Welsh capital city of Cardiff to face the Welshman on home soil.

With both fighters known for having all-action styles and a proven pedigree for finishing fights inside the distance, their December 11 meeting promises to be one of the most electrifying British boxing contests of the year in a fiery England-Wales showdown.

“Liam Williams has been saying a lot to try to catch my attention and bait me into fighting him,” said Eubank Jr. “It’s now got to the point where everyone is asking me to shut him up, and on December 11, I’m going to give the people what they want.

“As I’ve said, I’m only involved in big fights from now on and this is the fight people want to see. They want to see if Williams can back up what he’s been saying – which he won’t. I’m on a mission towards World Titles and Liam Williams is someone I’ve got to go through to get there. I’m looking forward to shutting him up.”

Williams said, “I’m very excited to get the fight made. It’s been coming for a long time. I can’t wait to shut his mouth once and for all. There’s nothing like a big domestic showdown to get the juices flowing. A lot of people have been calling for this fight for a long time. I personally think it’s the biggest all-British fight outside of AJ and Fury.

“I’m really excited and just counting down the days. I’ve not been that impressed with Chris’ recent performances. People are talking about how he’s brought Roy Jones in to improve him but if I’m being totally honest I don’t think he’s improved one bit. A win in this fight and possibly even a stoppage over Eubank and my name is going to be well and truly out there and in the mix for world titles.”

Adam Smith, Sky Sports Head of Boxing Development, remarked, “We’re delighted to deliver a pre-Christmas cracker as Chris Eubank Jr collides with Liam Williams in a huge British battle on December 11, live on Sky Sports.

“Chris Eubank Jr’s world title ambitions will be severely tested by Williams, the fiery Welshman, who dragged WBO Champion Demetrius Andrade into a punishing dogfight earlier this year.

“With their heated feud ready to boil over, Williams will relish the chance to inflict a crushing defeat. Is Eubank Jr ready for the biggest names in the world? We’ll soon find out as Sky Sports serves up a festive treat!”

“This is the fight that everyone has been talking about,” said Wasserman Boxing promoter Kalle Sauerland. “The public demand has been overwhelming. On December 11, Chris Eubank Jr and Liam Williams are finally going to meet in the centre of the ring to settle their differences once and for all. This is without a doubt the biggest fight in British boxing right now.”

“This fight has everything and has been what all the fans have been asking for. It’s an amazing way to end the year for Boxxer on Sky Sports and bringing this type of fight as part of a normal Sky Sports subscription is a very proud moment,” said Ben Shalom, BOXXER founder and CEO.

“They genuinely dislike each other, they both come forward non-stop and Eubank is heading into the dragon’s den to settle their issue on Williams’ home soil. I’ll be amazed if this doesn’t turn out to be British boxing’s fight of the year. A stacked card will sit underneath – Cardiff is in for a very special night.”

The Wasserman Boxing-promoted Eubank fought in Newcastle last month, stopping German challenger Wanik Awdijan with a body shot in the fifth round of their contest. It was Eubank’s second fight and win of the year, following his dominant win over Marcus Morrison in May.

Williams last fought in April this year, when he rode a seven-fight streak of stoppage wins into a world title challenge against WBO Middleweight Champion Demetrius Andrade in Florida. Williams brought the fight to the undefeated defending champion and forced Andrade to dig deep to retain his title by way of judges’ decision.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public tomorrow, Friday November 12 and the two fighters will be present at a press conference in London next week, with details of the conference date and time to be announced shortly.

Demetrius Andrade retained the WBO Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Liam Williams at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

In round one, Williams began to swell from around his right eye. In round two, Andrade floored Williams with a perfect one-two.

Andrade cruised for the most part. Williams fought hard and won some rounds, but he did not win enough as Andrade won by scores if 118-109 twice and 116-111.

Andrade, 159.4 lbs of Providence, RI is 30-0. Williams, 160 lbs of Wales is 23-3-1.

Gongora stops Pearson in 8

Carlos Gongora stopped Christopher Pearson in round eight of a scheduled 12-round super middleweight fight.

Gongora dropped Pearson with a straight left hand for the 10-count at 2:13.

Gongora, 167 lbs, 12oz is now 20-o with 15 knockouts. Pearson, 167 lbs, 8 oz is 17-3.

Biyarslanov Decisions Mercado

In a battle of undefeated lightweights, Arthur Biyarslanov won an eight round majority decision over Israel Mercado.

Biyarslanov, 136.8 lbs of Toronto, CAN won by scores of 78-74, 77-75 and 76-76-76 and is now 8-0. Mercado, 136 lbs, 12 oz is 9-1.

1.45pm ET
 
4 x 3 mins Super-Lightweight contest
 
Aaron Aponte 140lbs  vs.        Javier Martinez 138lbs 4oz
Hialeah, Fl.                                Austin, TX
 
Followed by
 
8 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
 
Otha Jones III 134lbs 8oz        vs.        Jorge Castaneda 135lbs
Toledo, OH                                              Laredo, TX
 
LIVE ON DAZN FROM 3PM ET/ 8PM UK
 
8 x 3 mins Lightweight contest
 
Arthur Biyarslanov 136lbs 8oz            vs.   Israel Mercado 136lbs 12oz
Toronto, Canada                                             Pomona, CA
 
Followed by
 
10 x 3 Heavyweight contest
 
Mahammadrasul Majidov 232lbs       vs.     Andrey Fedosov 224lbs 8oz
Azerbaijan                                                       Russia
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins IBO World Super-Middleweight title
 
Carlos Gongora 167lbs 12oz   vs.        Christopher Pearson 167lbs 8oz
Ecuador                                                   Dayton, OH
 
Followed by
 
12 x 3 mins WBO World Middleweight title
 
Demetrius Andrade 159lbs 8oz vs.     Liam Williams 160lbs
Providence, RI                                       Wales
 
FLOAT
 
6 x 3 mins Super-Middleweight contest
 
Alexis Espino 166lbs 4oz         vs.        Ty McLeod 164lbs 4oz
Las Vegas, NV                                      Bradenton, FL

Demetrius Andrade – Providence, Rhode Island – 29-0, 18 KOs – defending his WBO World Middleweight Title against Liam Williams:

“I don’t know until I get in there with Williams. They all say they’re going to do something to me, knock me out, beat me up, snatch my belt, they’ve all got a plan until they get hit and then it’s a different story.”

“It’s all good, it’s part of the hype, it’s part of their job to do what they need to do to get in their mind but at the end of the day I end up getting mind control over them anyway and we do what we do and get the W.”

“I’m very excited, it’s been since January last year since I last put my hands on somebody. We got the knockout against Luke Keeler who was supposed to come and take what rightfully mine. Same thing going on here, I’m back in action in Miami, this is my second home.”

“It’s going to be a great showing, I’m ready, I’m going to turn up. If Williams is going to bring the fight that we all want to see, then I’m all for it. There’s nothing wrong with it, I’m here, I signed and I’m here to show the people what they want to see.”

“Nobody is going to know until the bell rings at the end of the day. I don’t sit here and say that Williams is or isn’t going to bring the fight. Once we get in there and if he does then we’ll see, if he doesn’t then he doesn’t. We all know I’m going to bring the fight.”

“At the end of the day I train hard and smarter every single day, I’ve been doing this a very long time. I’ve fought all of them already, there’s nothing new I’ve seen from Williams. Okay he’s tough and bringing it forward, alright well at the end of the day I’m going to have the answers for whatever he brings forward.”

“I’m going to be glad to sit back and watch the beautiful boxing match that I put on after I’ve beat him. I’ll watch and say hey you’ve done a great job banging a guy that came to fight.”

“That’s what I’ve been doing, schooling people, I’m an educator.”

Paul Andrade – father and trainer of Demetrius Andrade

“Every fight is a tough fight; nobody goes in there to lose. He’s going to try and put a lot of pressure on us, but we’ve been there and done that, I only feel like he’s a one-dimensional fighter.”

“All he can do is come forward, we’ll do everything we have to do, he’s not going to be to put the pressure on. I don’t think he has the footwork to keep up with Demetrius.”

“I don’t think anybody has seen Demetrius’ best fight yet, no one has brought it out of him. Boo Boo has it in him to preform even at a higher level, but somebody’s got to bring it out of him. If he’s the one, congratulations, bring it out of him because we’ll give it right back to you.”

“We know we’re going to win; we’ve been winning, and we don’t know how to lose. We’re going to have a good fight come Saturday and we’re going to keep our belt.”

Liam Williams – Clydach Vale, Wales – 23-20-1, 18 KOs – mandatory challenger for WBO World Middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade:

“It is a massive opportunity for me, and I really can’t wait to get my chance on Saturday night to prove I’m the best at 160lbs. I’m very excited and can’t wait to get my hands on him this Saturday.”

“Not to get it twisted, I do respect him, he’s a great fighter and obviously three-time world champion in two different weight divisions, what’s not to respect? I’d be a bit of a fool to not think he’s any good wouldn’t I, but I see things, weaknesses that I can exploit, I’m fully confident I’m going to do that Saturday night and not just going to win but win in devastating fashion.”

“I don’t plan on going in there and winning on points. If it goes twelve then happy days I still plan on winning, I’m going in their crash, bang, wallop and looking to take him out simple as that.”

“If I win this, I’ll be massive star in Wales and in Britain. I’m just very excited, it’s a big opportunity and for me to win this it’s going to be life changing for me.”

Dominic Ingle – trainer of Liam Williams

“It’s a great fight, Demetrius is a good fighter, we’re not underestimating him, he’s very skilful and tricky. He’s a quality fighter.

“Look he’s [Andrade] 33 years old, Liam’s 28, he’s bringing youth and aggression and on Saturday night we’re expecting a good fight. Demetrius is calm and collected, a very cool customer and relaxed under the lights, very experienced, but this is Liam’s biggest opportunity and he’s not going to waste it.”

“Demetrius is used to the pressure, that’s what southpaws like, the pressure coming and walking onto the shots. It’s got to be calculated pressure, Liam can box, and he’s shown that – he likes to have a tear up and that’s sometimes his worst attribute.”

“We’ve got a plan on Saturday night; he can fight when he needs to fight, and he can box when he needs to box. We’ve studied Demetrius, he’s a good fighter and calculated in what he does. Like I said, we’re not underestimating him.”

Francis Warren – Queensberry Promotions, promoter of Liam Williams

“I’m very confident about it. For me Liam Williams is world class, this is a huge opportunity for him to prove that. He’s had a world title fight before against Liam Smith in 2017, had the rematch and didn’t go his way.”

“Since then, he went away, re-evaluated what weight he was going to campaign at, and middleweight was the decision. Since then, he’s gone on a hot streak, 7 knockout wins and he’s gone from strength to strength with a brilliant performance against Atlantis Fox. I know him and Demetrius share that opponent and on paper Liam did a better job.”

“I fancy Liam to be the new WBO champion on Saturday night and it’s going to be a fun plane ride back to Heathrow.”

“If you want to talk about raw aggression, raw talent, Liam’s got it all. This guy’s not been brought up to talk the talk, he’s going to walk the walk, fight the fight and I really hope Demetrius has brought his A-game because with all due respect this guy is on a different level. I’m thrilled he’s got the opportunity to show what he can do.”

Joe Markowski – EVP, DAZN

“This is the start of a fantastic run of events for us, spring rolling into the summer, we’ve obviously got Canelo coming up next month in a similar weight class. It’s a great opportunity for these two guys to make their claim on a fantastic schedule and a platform that is designed for boxing fans around the world.”

“As a Brit in the States it’s great to have the time zone accommodated for the time zone back at home and I think that’s going to help our fans enjoy it and our subscribers get value for money which is what we’re all about.”

Carlos Gongora – Esmeraldas, Ecuador – 19-0, 14 KOs – defending his IBO World Super-Middleweight Title against Christopher Pearson:

“I’m ready to compete again, I feel a lot better and I’m ready for the next fight and to give it my all.”

“The fight was rushed; it was a complicated year with Coronavirus and everything else – athletes couldn’t compete, and I was on standby. It was a title fight, and I was ready to do that, it all went well. I’m always trying to stay ready in the gym, I’m always trying to prepare because of the discipline I have.”

“I’m very grateful to represent my country with pride. For a long time, there was no representation, my uncle was the first and now it’s me. I’m grateful I can represent my country.”

Christopher Pearson – Dayton, Ohio – 17-2, 12 KOs – challenging Carlos Gongora for the IBO World Super-Middleweight title:

“I’m ready to step up to the plate and deliver a sensational performance. I’ve got a lot of respect for Carlos, he came in this past December and put on a spectator performance. A lot of credit to him but he’s dealing with a different beast with me, and I look forward to displaying that Saturday night.”

“At this point all there’s left to do is fight. This is the easy part; all the hard stuff is done so I look forward to getting in the ring and displaying my talent Saturday night.”

“168 is a glamour division because you’ve got guys who are very technically sound, throw a lot of punches, got heavyweight knockout power. Anything can happen in this division; I think that fans are going to enjoy these two athletes you have on display. I think we’re going to be able to showcase our boxing and it’s still the ultimate combat sport.”

Mahammadrasul Majidov – Baku, Azerbaijan – 3-0, 3 KOs – fighting Andrey Fedosov over ten rounds at Heavyweight:

“This is good fight for me, it’s a big fight. I’m going go in there and show all my power. I’m happy that we’re starting to fight again. I will try to put on a great fight.”

“I had a tremendous career in the amateurs, but it doesn’t matter now. I’m here, stepping up every fight and I want the bigger names and fights every time.”

Andrey Fedosov – Shuya, Russia – 31-3, 25 KOs – fighting Mahammadrasul Majidov over ten rounds at Heavyweight

“I was ready to fight all the time when I was off, ready at the camp training all day.”

“Everybody in the heavyweight division is a dangerous guy.”

“Of course, it’s a tough fight, of course.”

Otha Jones III – Toledo, Ohio – 5-0-1, 2 KOs – fighting Jorge Castaneda over eight rounds at Lightweight

“The opportunity is great; Mexico didn’t go how I planned – that was my fault. I wasn’t listening to my pops but I went back to square one. I got cool with my pops, moved my camp, I’m ready.”

“That’s why I can’t let Jorge do that. Mexico set me back, I’m looking for revenge and he’s in my way. I got to beat his ass like he stole something now.”

“It’s crunch time for me, I’m back on and looking great, feeling great. I’m going to show that Saturday night.”

Jorge Castaneda – Laredo, Texas – 13-1, 11 KOs – fighting Otha Jones III over eight rounds at Lightweight

“This is a big opportunity for me and I’m here to make a statement.”

“This is a really great opportunity for me to fight Jones, with a lot of amateur experience. It’s just motivation for me, to come and beat him and get a spot.”

Arthur Biyarslanov – Toronto, Canada – 7-0, 6 KOs – fighting Israel Mercado over eight rounds at Lightweight

“I want to fight ever fight with better opponents. I want to say thank you to Israel for taking this fight. We had a great camp, even though the last fight got cancelled, it gave me more time to train, and I feel more than ready.”

“Thank you to Israel for taking this fight. He’s undefeated, 9-0, I’m undefeated, we’re young and hungry. We had a tremendous camp, 12 weeks, it was amazing. If you want to get known you have to fight better opponents and I’m looking forward to it.”

“I had a great amateur background, 2015 Pan American champion, 2016 Olympian, I’ve been to many international tournaments too, so I have a lot of experience. When it comes to professional boxing, I feel like I fit into it more. The better fights and opponents I fight will show how good I actually am. I’m very happy to be here and I’m looking forward to Saturday.”

Israel Mercado – Pomona, California – 9-0, 7 KOs – fighting Arthur Biyarslanov over eight rounds at Lightweight

“It’s going to be a great fight; I’m looking forward to it as well. I’m excited for it, I stay in the gym all year round. I got the call about a month out and just continued doing what I was doing, sparring contenders and ex-champions, I’m ready for it.”

“Victory on Saturday will be huge, especially on a platform like this. I’m ready, I know he has a lot of experience and he’s signed; I’ve taken the harder way coming up but I’m ready for it.”

Alexis Espino – Las Vegas, Nevada – 7-0, 5 KOs – fighting Ty McLeod over six rounds at Super Middleweight

“After training all year in 2020, for me to finally get back in the ring in 2021 it felt good, and I feel like I’m getting back in my rhythm after that fight.”

“My team and I have been training really hard. If Robert thinks I’m ready for this then I know for a fact I’m ready. I get top notch sparring and I’ve been in the gym and haven’t stopped training since my last fight. I’m excited for this, I love a challenge.”

“I get to get all kinds of sparring with other prospects, world champions. I sparred with Bivol this camp, I only sparred him twice but I’m looking to go back after this fight.”

Ty McLeod – Bradenton, Florida – 6-0, 6 KOs – fighting Alexis Espino over six rounds at Super-Middleweight

“I’m ready to go in there on Saturday and prove my worth, fight hard and we’ll find out what happens.”

“That what I plan on doing, I’ve trained hard for it so I plan on going in there and making a big statement on Saturday night.”

Aaron Aponte – Hialeah, Florida – 2-0, 1 KO – fighting Javier Martinez over four rounds at Super-Lightweight

“Everything’s working out, you keep coming out to Miami and putting on the cards – I’m very grateful.”

“It was amazing hearing everybody cheer my name; I got the and showed out for Miami. It was a great experience.”

“Now that I’ve experienced it and I was on such a big stage, I don’t think I’ll ever be intimidated at all. I was a little nervous from being on such a big stage but now I’ve experienced it I’ll be able to handle it better and finish the job.”

“I see myself at the front, I want to shine and make a big statement this fight.”

BBC Radio 5 Live will broadcast three huge fight nights live on the radio, kicking off this weekend with Demetrius Andrade defending his WBO World Middleweight title against Liam Williams in Florida on Saturday night, then from Manchester on May 1 with the stacked card led by the Heavyweight clash between Derek Chisora and Joseph Parker and Katie Taylor’s undisputed Lightweight defence against Natasha Jonas, and the blockbuster World Super-Middleweight unification clash between Canelo Alvarez and Billy Joe Saunders from Texas on May 8.

Andrade (29-0 18 KOs) puts his title on the line for the fourth time against Welsh mandatory challenger Williams (23-2-1 18 KOs) and fight fans in the UK will be able to tune into the crunch battle from 11pm GMT on the BBC on Saturday night.

On May 1, it’s a huge night of action in Manchester as Heavyweight favourite Chisora (32-10 3 KOs) faces former World ruler Parker (28-2 21 KOs), undisputed World Lightweight champion Taylor (17-0 6 KOs) defends her titles against Jonas (9-1-1 7 KOs) in a rematch of their 2012 Olympic scrap and WBA World Light-Heavyweight king Dmitry Bivol (17-0 11 KOs) defends his crown against Londoner Crag Richards (16-1-1 9 KOs).

One week later, the biggest fight of the year so far takes place at the home of the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas as pound-for-pound king Alvarez (55-1-2 37 KOs) battles unbeaten Briton Saunders (30-0 14 KOs) for the WBC, WBA Super, WBO and Ring Magazine straps at 168lbs.

Louise Sutton, 5 Live Sport Editor, said: “BBC Radio 5 Live Boxing has provided superb live coverage of some colossal fights over this past year, with many more to come.
This deal with Matchroom confirms another three thrilling nights of action for fans to enjoy, including some of the most anticipated fights of the year. We’re delighted to be providing UK boxing fans with live free-to-air coverage of each head-to-head, alongside expert analysis, opinion and some special guests.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn said: “I am delighted that BBC Radio 5Live will be covering these three massive nights of action. Andrade vs. Williams is a great fight in Florida on Saturday, as Demetrius aims to make a statement and Liam can become Wales’ 13th World champion.

“The May 1 show is a monster. It’s topped by the Heavyweight showdown between Chisora and Parker which is sure to set fire early and leads a stacked bill with two great World title fights in Taylor vs. Jonas and Bivol vs. Richards.

“Completing the trio is the biggest fight of the year so far, as the pound-for-pound boss Canelo Alvarez taking on the UK’s finest in Billy Joe Saunders in front of over 70,000 fans on Cinco De Mayo weekend in Dallas on May 8 – that is going to be an unforgettable occasion and a mammoth fight.”

LIAM WILLIAMS has promised promoter Frank Warren that he’ll become his 149th World Champion by “smashing” WBO World Middleweight Champion Demetrius Andrade this weekend.

Mandatory challenger Williams (23-2-1, 18 KOs) faces unbeaten Andrade (29-0, 18 KOs) in Miami on Saturday, following a tense build-up where both men have chucked verbal artillery.

Williams has been in Florida for more than a week, paying extra to acclimatise better to the five hour time difference. He arrived in the Sunshine State four days earlier than expected.

“I am going to smash his face in on Saturday night and do some serious damage,” said Williams to host Dev Sahni on The Lockdown.

“When he is in with lower level fighters he has a bit of time to fuss around and do that stuff. I am going to be in his face giving it to him.

“You wont see any showboating or fussing around from Andrade because he will be under too much pressure.

“I don’t think he will cope with my intensity. I am going to hit him and hurt him regularly as well. He will be doing the running.

“Everybody says Andrade has underestimated me, but he isn’t a silly man. He is a three-time world champion for a reason.

“He has seen me, he knows what I brings to the table and I don’t think he will be dumb enough to underestimate me because he knows what I bring.”

The fired-up Welsh ace insists he will even be ready for the American champion before the first bell if Andrade continues the trash talk.

Liam said: “He doesn’t want to front me up before the fight because I’ll stick it on him a little bit earlier than Saturday if that’s what he wants.

“I am confident in my own ability. I am not big-headed and don’t boast. I just feel confident in my ability and he is a idiot with what he chats.

“He talks about his power, but how many people has he knocked spark out and you see them sleeping? Not many.  He has decent power, average but nothing more.

“Maybe I am getting into his head a bit, but that is not really my ultimate goal. I don’t feel I need to get under his skin to beat him.”

When Williams returns home, hopefully with the WBO World title wrapped around his waist he is looking forward to two weeks of top class action live on BT Sport.

Denzel Bentley makes the first defence of his British Middleweight title against Commonwealth champion Felix Cash on Saturday April 24.

If Bentley comes through against his mandatory contender a fight against Williams becomes a serious possibility.

Williams isn’t looking that far ahead, but he cannot wait to see Battersea’s Bentley and Cash slug it out for his old belt.

Williams who has sparred with Cash added: “Bentley looks very good but I’ve not seen enough of him to comment.

“Of course he beat Mark Heffron who I defeated. No disrespect to Mark, but I do feel I took the fight out of him a little bit.

“I don’t think he has shown the same bad intentions or been the same since. I think Bentley beat a bit of a faded Heffron.

“It’s a good fight, but if I put my money on one man from what I’ve seen it’s Bentley, but Cash has a good work rate and can punch.

Six days later on Friday April 30, two of Williams friends Troy Williamson and Kieran Smith face each other in a final eliminator for the British Super-Welterweight title, another of Liam’s former belts.

“As much of a good fight that it is I didn’t really want to see it because I like both men,” Williams says.

“I wouldn’t like to see either of them lose, but it is boxing and we’re all in it for the same prize. If somebody else is in your path you have to dispose of them.

“I honestly don’t know who will win. It’s a very good fight. I think it’s 50-50.

“Kieran is slightly technically better, Williamson is technically good as well, but brings more pressure. I wouldn’t have a bet and it could be a draw.”

TO SEE LIAM’S INTERVIEW WITH DEV SAHNI ON THE LOWDOWN CLICK HERE

Joe Calzaghe has backed Liam Williams to become Wales’ latest World champion as he prepares to face Demetrius Andrade for the WBO World Middleweight title on Saturday night at Hard Rock Live at Hard Rock Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Fl. on Saturday April 17, live worldwide on DAZN and in association with Queensberry Promotions.
 
Williams (23-2-1 18 KOs) would become the 13^th World ruler from Wales if he can prize the strap away from the unbeaten Andrade (25-0 18 KOs), who puts his title on the line for the fourth time.
 
Hall of Famer Calzaghe famously brought the curtain down on his glittering career with wins on American soil against fellow legends Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr., and he’s backing Williams to produce his own memorable night Stateside.
 
“I would be thrilled to see Liam become World champion,” said Calzaghe. “He’s earned his spot at the table and now he just has to go out there and deliver. Everyone in Wales is behind him.
 
“It’s not going to be an easy night, but he’ll know that. Demetrius is a slippery customer with bags of skill, but I think Liam needs to get in there, get close to him, unsettle him, make him work and not give him one second’s rest.
 
“If he does that, I think he could take the belt on points and even force a late stoppage. It’ll be a hard night’s work, but he’s got the tools to get it done and I’d love to see him bring the belt back to Wales.”
 
Williams’ clash with Andrade is part of a stacked night of action in Florida as Carlos Gongora (19-0 14 KOs) defends his IBO World Super-Middleweight title against Christopher Pearson (17-2 12 KOs).
 
Heavyweight Mahammadrasul Majidov (3-0 3 KOs) is back in action and looking for a fourth straight KO win against Andrey Fedosov (31-3 25 KOs), Otha Jones III (5-0-1 2 KOs) returns to the ring in a rescheduled eight round clash with Jorge Castaneda (13-1 11 KOs), Arthur Biyarslanov (7-0 6 KOs) faces fellow unbeaten man Israel Mercado (9-0 7 KOs), Alexis Espino (7-0 5 KOs) returns quickly over six rounds against unbeaten Florida man Ty McLeod (6-0 6 KOs) and Florida native Aaron Aponte (2-0 1 KO) returns at the same speed for his third fight over four rounds against Javier Martinez (4-7 3 KOs).

Carlos Gongora will defend his IBO World Super-Middleweight title against Christopher Pearson as the chief support to Demetrius Andrade’s WBO World Middleweight title defense against Liam Williams at Hard Rock Live at Hard Rock Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida on Saturday April 17 in America, live worldwide on DAZN – with the main event set for 6pm ET/11pm GMT.
 
Gongora (19-0 14 KOs) returns to the scene of his finest hour, the dramatic 12^th round KO of Ali Akhmedov in December, weathering an early storm to put the hotly fancied Kazakh away at the death to land the strap that he puts on the line in three weeks’ time.
 
The unbeaten two-time Olympian was fighting over 12 rounds for the first time against Akhmedov, and the Ecuadorian now wants to underline his credentials to land the big fights at 168lbs against Pearson (17-2 12 KOs).
 
Like Gongora, Pearson is entering into the bout on the back of his best win to date after he took the ‘0’ of Olympic gold medal man Yamaguchi Falcao in Las Vegas in May 2019. The Ohio man, a decorated amateur in his own right,
 
Gongora vs. Pearson leads a stacked card in support of the main event, with Mahammadrasul Majidov back in action and looking for a fourth straight KO win against Andrey Fedosov. Majidov (3-0 3 KOs) landed his third win inside the distance at the same venue in November and the former three-time World Amateur king now steps up into ten round action for the first time in the paid ranks against Fedesov (31-3 25 KOs), with the experienced Russian making a long-awaited return to the ring.
 
Otha Jones III returns to the ring in a rescheduled eight round clash with Jorge Castaneda. Jones III (5-0-1 2 KOs) was set to meet Castaneda (13-1 11 KOs) on the undercard of the epic rematch between Juan Francisco Estrada and Roman ‘Chocolatito’ Gonzalez in Dallas, TX earlier this month but illness ruled the Ohio talent out. Jones III has gotten over that non-COVID related blip and now steps up his pro journey against the dangerous Texan.
 
Another fighter stepping up after a shelved fight in the Lone Star state is Arthur Biyarslanov (7-0 6 KOs) as he faces fellow unbeaten man Israel Mercado (9-0 7 KOs). Biyarslanov landed a first round stoppage win is his last outing in November in the same venue and the Canadian now steps into his first eight round contest against the unbeaten Californian who won his first seven fights by KO before going the six and eight round distance in his last two outings.
 
Alexis Espino (7-0 5 KOs) was impressive in stopping Ashton Sykes in his first fight back in a year in February on the undercard of Canelo Alvarez’s win over Avni Yildirim and the Las Vegas talent returns quickly over six rounds and Florida native Aaron Aponte (2-0 1 KO) returns at the same speed for his third fight over four rounds, both with opponents to be named soon.
 
“Carlos pulled off a brilliant win in Florida in December, and now is the time for him to build himself into a massive threat in the 168lbs division,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “Christopher is no stranger to upsetting the odds as he proved against Falcao, and he’ll look to do something similar again in Florida.
 
“Mahammadrasul is looking to make waves in the ever-changing Heavyweight division, and the likes of OJ3, Arthur, Alexis and Aaron will want to steal the headlines in the Sunshine State.”

Demetrius Andrade will defend his WBO World Middleweight title against mandatory challenger Liam Williams at Hard Rock Live at Hard Rock Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Florida on Saturday April 17 in America, live worldwide on DAZN – with the main event set for 6pm ET/11pm GMT.

Andrade (29-0 18 KOs) defends his title for the fourth time. ‘Boo Boo’ became a two-weight World ruler when he picked up the vacant strap against Walter Kautondokwa in October 2018 in Boston, and has since seen off Artur Akavov, Maciej Sulecki and Luke Keeler in title defenses.

Williams (23-2-1 18 KOs) fights for his first full World title against Andrade, having met Liam Smith for the interim WBO strap at Super-Welterweight in April 2017, with the Welshman moving to Middleweight after his rematch with Smith and becoming British champion at 160lbs before stopping Andrade’s old foe Alantez Fox in five rounds in December 2019.

“Liam Williams, you got what you wanted,” said Andrade. “You ran your mouth, got your rating up and here we go. April 17 your career ends. Or maybe you go back to headlining small club shows in the UK I don’t know. What I do know is that you’re getting beaten badly and then I’m on to much bigger fights and bigger nights in my career.

“It’s no secret, this isn’t the fight I wanted, but now it’s here and I will be taking care of business, taking care of Liam Williams in spectacular fashion come April 17. Then it’s whoever wants it. Canelo. GGG. Saunders. Charlo. Plant. I’m here. Undefeated. Two division World champion. Current middleweight champion of the world. I dare one of you to say my name.”

“I’ve been quite vocal saying I’ll smash him, and I actually am going to,” said Williams. “I’ve waited for this for too long now, I’m not going to let it slip through my fingers, I’ll grab the opportunity with both hands.

“I just think he’s a complete weirdo, a very strange man – I’ve watched him for some time, I used to be a bit of a fan of him back then, now I get the chance to share a ring with him and punch his face in and I can’t wait to do it. I’m going to punch lumps out of him, nonstop.

“The first couple of rounds could be tricky, but I believe that I will get on top of him and start beating him up.

“I think he might overlook me, possibly. To be honest, maybe he has deserved to get a fight with Canelo, GGG, he’s been World champion for a long time, a two-weight and three-time champion, so he’s probably deserved those fights, but his time is up now and once I deal with him, I’ll get those fights.

“Have you ever seen me going into my shell in a fight? I don’t think he’s going to have enough in him to make me do that, and let’s not forget, he’s not fought anyone like me. When I start hitting him and hurting him, no-one really knows what he’s going to do. Who’s to say he’s not going to go into his shell?”

“This is a really good fight,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “In America, people don’t realize it’s as good a fight as it is. Liam is a big step-up from Demetrius’ recent opposition, and I think this is the fight ‘Boo Boo’ needs. I like Liam, he’s going to come in with real confidence and swagger and he’ll put it on Demetrius in the build-up, he’s a tough man and he will not take a backwards step against Demetrius, who will need to be at his best to prove he’s the number one Middleweight in the world.”

Early undercard information will be released soon, and no public tickets will be on sale for the show.

LIAM WILLIAMS won’t be playing happy families with ring rivals in 2021, but is ready for a new arrival at home.

First to land next year is a shot at Demetrius Andrade’s WBO World Middleweight title and in May an altogether different championship delivery is due as Williams and partner Carys are expecting a baby boy.

American Andrade must face the Welsh ace early next year. If he doesn’t defend his title against Williams he’ll be forced to relinquish or get stripped of the WBO belt he has held since October 2018.

Williams (23-2-1, 18 KOs) said: “It’s looking like 2021 could be something special for me and my family.

“I’m looking forward to fighting Andrade, beating him and then becoming a Dad once again.

“I am told that the Andrade fight is pretty much done and it’s just a case of finding out where and when it will be.

“I am confident it will be Andrade that I face, but it doesn’t matter to me either way because I will be challenging for the WBO World title in my next fight.

“Things change all the time in boxing though. I don’t even mind going to fight Andrade in his hometown Providence.

“I want to take Andrade’s belt from him, but even if it’s for a vacant title there will be massive fights down the line.”

Things are certainly looking up for Williams who has knocked out his last seven opponents and he is jubilant at becoming a parent once more.

He added: “We only found out on Saturday that my partner will give birth to a baby boy that is due on May 21st. I am over the moon.

“I worship my little girl and my children will get equal love, but a little boy is all I have ever wanted.

“It is a first child for Carys so the sex doesn’t matter to her, but I have a girl and I’m just excited that she is having a boy.

“I am already asked if he is going to box, but I will leave that to him. I’ll be happy if he does, but there will be no forcing him into anything if he wants to take another path.

Williams, 28, last boxed in October hammering mandatory challenger Andrew Robinson inside a round when he made a final British title defence before relinquishing.

He has started training for his world title challenge at Dominic Ingle’s Sheffield gym, but returns home every weekend.

“I go home on a Friday afternoon and return to Sheffield every Sunday afternoon ready for Monday training,” explained Liam.

“I come home to see Myla and spend as much time as a I can with Carys during her pregnancy.

“Even when the fight is announced I will probably still come home every weekend. I think it works best for me.

“For my last fight I stayed in Sheffield for three weeks on the bounce and it didn’t do me any favours. To be honest it cracked me up.

“I didn’t get any release and I didn’t enjoy it one bit. I don’t need looking after at all. It’s just the appeal of being at home, seeing Myla and familiar faces.”

Boxing returns once more to the BT Studio tomorrow night at 7pm on BT Sport 1. In the headline fight, Liam Williams defends his British title against mandatory challenger Andrew Robinson.

Elsewhere on the stacked card, Nathan Gorman meets heavy-handed Ghanaian Richard Lartey and Willy Hutchinson takes on Spaniard Jose Miguel Fandino.

Muheeb Fazeldin and Mark Chamberlain also return.

Photos from todays weigh-in can be found here

Official weights below:

Liam Williams – 11st 6lb
Andrew Robinson – 11st 5lb 5oz

Nathan Gorman -19st 7lbs 3oz
Richard Lartey – 18st 4lb 6oz

Willy Hutchinson – 12st 1lb 7oz
Jose Miguel Fandino – 12st 1lb 8oz

Muheeb Fazeldin – 9st 3lb 6oz
Luke Jones – 9st 4lb 8oz

Mark Chamberlain – 9st 12lb 5oz
Shaun Cooper – 9st 10lb 7oz

LIAM WILLIAMS POSSESSES the power and tools to part Demetrius Andrade from his WBO world middleweight title, according to shared foe Alantez Fox.

The Maryland man, known as SlyAsa, was spectacularly knocked off his WBO No.1 ranked perch by the formidable middleweight force of Welshman Williams in December of last year, with ‘The Machine’ pounding the American before forcing a fifth round stoppage.

Fox’s only other reverse came against the current champion back in 2017 when Andrade clocked up a wide points victory over his countryman.

It makes the 6ft 4″ 28-year-old ideally placed to assess the prospect of mandatory challenger Williams taking on Andrade, once he has dealt with the domestic duty of defending his British title against Andrew Robinson, live on BT Sport 1 on Saturday.

“I don’t think Liam was better than I thought. He was everything I expected him to be – aggressive, strong and hitting hard. I just don’t think I was all the way there.

“I believe he is a good fighter though, definitely, I don’t think I would have lost if he wasn’t,” added Fox, who suspects an intriguing clash of styles will come into play when and if the pair meet.

“I believe the comparison between Andrade and Williams is the classic boxer versus kinda sort of brawler. Liam Williams is very aggressive and he comes to fight. He comes to box a bit, but he comes for war and to get in there to fight on the inside, which is what he will try and do against Andrade.

“If Andrade doesn’t box enough, or doesn’t box well, more than likely Liam Williams will take that victory. I want to say Williams hits harder than Andrade and I understand why people would ask the question because he ended up stopping me in the fifth round.

“Liam Williams does hit hard and he does have good punch placement.”

Fox concluded that geography, as well as styles, could be the making of having a new middleweight champion.

“I think some factors play into this fight. If Demetrius Andrade goes over there, it is a big ass difference. If Liam Williams has to fight here (the USA) that is a big difference too and I believe an Andrade win.

“It will be a boxer v brawler type of fight, but Andrade isn’t weak. He will have to be on his P’s and Q’s though against Williams,.

“That isn’t to say Liam Williams doesn’t possess the strength and guile to go in there and upset a lot of people. I am kind of on the fence over this one.”

“I would love to see these two clash and I hope it does happen.”

WATCH LIAM WILLIAMS vs ANDREW ROBINSON, SATURDAY, 7PM, BT SPORT 1