Liam Smith vs. Liam Williams Immediate Rematch Eyed By Warren

By Elliot Foster

Frank Warren is keen to get Liam Smith and Liam Williams back in the ring together again soon.

The promoter told media of his desire in the aftermath of Williams’ withdrawal from the showdown with Smith at Manchester Arena on Saturday.

The pair met at Manchester Arena, exclusively live on BT Sport and BoxNation, as part of Warren’s ‘A New Era’ card, which was topped by Terry Flanagan’s points victory over Petr Petrov as he retained his WBO lightweight title.

Williams, 24, was withdrawn by his corner at the start of the 10th round because of a severely cut eye.

The Welshman felt the injury, which required stitches for two lacerations from eyelid to brow, was as a result of a deliberate headbutt.

But Warren, who shortly after addressing the press said that he had yet to review the incident, is keen to make the rematch as soon as possible.

“I want to make the rematch, immediately,” he said.

“I am sure Gary [Lockett] and Liam [Williams] want it, Liam Smith wants it, let's get it made.”

Smith, who participated in a post-fight press conference alongside the aforementioned Flanagan and the now-undefeated pro Nicola Adams OBE, said “I’m easy” when he was asked about the rematch.

But it appears that Warren wants it to happen next, once both fighters have recovered from their injuries.

“The cut [to Williams’ right eye] may have been caused by a head clash,” the Liverpudlian continued. “It could have done, but that’s boxing for you.

“[The fight wasn’t stopped] for that reason, you know as well as I do that it wasn’t stopped for that reason.”

Williams’ trainer Gary Lockett pulled his man out at the beginning of the 10th round, claiming that his man could not continue due to the damage suffered, and Smith was declared the winner.

Further details regarding the next move of both fighters are expected to be revealed in due course.