Liam Williams Hunts For New Foe, Mansouri Out With Injury

 By Elliot Foster

Nav Mansouri has been forced out of his next fight after snapping his achilles.

The Rotherham super welterweight was set for a date with destiny –– and the British and Commonwealth titles –– next week, but has been left with no choice but to pull out after suffering the injury in training.

Mansouri (15-2-1, 5 KOs) had been scheduled for the 12-round challenge against champion Liam Williams (13-0-1, 8 KOs) on April 2 at Harrow Leisure Centre, exclusively live on BoxNation.

But the 26-year-old will now spend an extended spell on the sidelines before he has chance to enter the ring in a competitive capacity again.

“[I’ve] worked so hard, trained so hard and yesterday, while training, I snapped my achilles heel,” the orthodox puncher wrote on Facebook.

“I was sparring and was in the best shape of my life, knowing this fight was going to be an easy win for me.

“I want to say sorry to all my fans, friends and all those people taking time out to come to my fight and supporting me. I want to thank all my sponsors [for] supporting me.

“I'm devastated just as much as you all are. The injury has been bugging me for the past year and yesterday it went unexpectedly.”

It is now expected to be confirmed that Mansouri will face a trip to theatre, to go under the knife, but he is insistent that he will be a better fighter after the setback.

“I will be coming back stronger,” he continued, “and don't you all worry I will be coming home with those belts and a world title.

“Mark my words.”

Williams, whose opponent is being worked on by promoter Frank Warren and trainer Gary Lockett, has expressed his disappointment at the news.

He tweeted: “[I’m] very disappointed to tell you that Nav Mansouri has pulled out of next week’s fight. [I] will have a new opponent as soon as possible!”

Boxing Scene understands that Williams will still defend his titles, provided a suitable opponent is found and approved by the British Boxing Board of Control.