Liam Williams Remains Postive Despite Defeat To Liam Smith

By Elliot Foster

Liam Williams is remaining positive despite suffering his maiden pro defeat.

The Clydach Vale super-welterweight had his undefeated run ended on Saturday when he was withdrawn by his trainer Gary Lockett.

Williams (now 16-1-1, 11 KOs) boxed Liverpool’s Liam Smith at the Manchester Arena, as part of the inaugural Frank Warren show on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The vacant WBO interim world title was at stake for Williams only, after Smith tipped the scales overweight last Friday, but he couldn’t grasp the opportunity due to the circumstances of the fight.

And despite having lost his unbeaten record, ‘Dully’ is looking on the bright side.

He issued a statement via Twitter on Sunday, stating that the support he had received from his travelling fans was “amazing as always”.

Williams was bossing the fight and was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards by a round at the time of the stoppage.

“[I am] very disappointed with the outcome of the fight as I felt I was well ahead on the scorecards before that flying headbutt landed,” he continued.

Many fans at ringside thought the injury to Williams’ eye was caused by a clash of heads, but that is something that Smith has since denied and he has in turn made clear his desire to “gladly” give him a rematch.

“[The clash of heads] cut me wide open and it was just too bad to go on and take punishment as I could not see through my right eye,” he said.

“On the other hand, I am okay because I have taken so many positives from that performance. I have proved to so many people what I am capable of and will definitely come back as a better, well-rounded fighter.”

A rematch was high on the agenda shortly after the fight, with promoter Frank Warren –– who looks after both men –– telling media that he wants to make the rematch as soon as possible.

And that is a sentiment echoed by 24-year-old British and former Commonwealth king Williams.

“Hopefully we can get the rematch on once the cuts have healed and we both have a little rest. Frank Warren is the man and I’m pretty sure he’ll produce the goods.

“Thanks to my team and all my sponsors for the help and support given to me. [I] appreciate it so much.”