LIAM WILLIAMS BELIEVES his fellow super welterweight Liam Smith is in for a tough night against the Mexican banger Jaime Munguia in Las Vegas this weekend, but suspects his old adversary has got what it takes to repel the fire of the 21-year-old and take the fight to the wire.

Munguia stepped in to replace mandatory challenger Smith back in May when Sadam Ali – who defeated Miguel Cotto in his final fight – held the WBO world super welterweight title.

Munguia caused something of an upset by flooring Ali four times on his way to a fourth round stoppage and the former WBC Latino champion must now fulfil the mandatory obligation against Smith.

Munguia has only been taken the distance four times in his 29 fights so far, with three of those coming in his early four and six rounders.

So Smith, as Williams suggests, is up against a bit of a puncher.

“Yes he looks good and looks like he can punch a bit,” said the Welshman, who fought Smith twice in 2017, losing the first due to a severe cut and the second via a majority points decision.

“It is a difficult one to call really because Liam is so tough and durable and he is actually a lot more skilful than people give him credit for.

“People think he is very basic and just comes forward, but when you are actually in the ring with him he is a lot more effective than he looks from the outside.”

Williams, however, was at a bit of a loss when it came to actually picking a winner in a fight that will be screened live and exclusive on BT Sport 1 from 3am on Sunday morning from the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

“I don’t know, it is such a close one to call and I think it is one that will come down to the wire and go the distance. It could be a really gruelling fight and very close.”

He might have struggled to pick a winner, but the 26-year-old did not hedge his bets when asked if he would like a shot at the winner. Williams is preparing for an expected September return in new surrounding under recently appointed trainer Dominic Ingle in Sheffield.

“One hundred per cent I would fancy it with either of them,” he insisted. “Whoever wins, I can’t really see myself being in position to get the next shot, but I would certainly take it.

“I am back on a roll now, I feeling good and I am re-motivated, which a lot of people didn’t realise I needed because I never really said anything.

“Even for the second Smith fight I was lacking in motivation and didn’t really care enough. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted to win and I tried, but I didn’t have the motivation I should have had.

“What’s done is done and I am excited now by what is to come.”

HBO Sports returns to the vibrant junior middleweight division when one of 2018’s breakout stars defends his crown for the first time on HBO BOXING AFTER DARK: JAIME MUNGUIA VS. LIAM SMITH AND ALBERTO MACHADO VS. RAFAEL MENSAH, presented SATURDAY, JULY 21 at 10:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT) from the Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas. The HBO Sports team will call all the action, which will be available in HDTV, closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired and presented in Spanish on HBO Latino.

Two months ago, Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs) made an impressive HBO debut, scoring a resounding fourth-round KO of junior middleweight titleholder Sadam Ali. Now, the 25-year-old native of Tijuana, Baja Calif, Mexico defends his title against the UK’s formidable Liam Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs), 29, in a 12-round clash that promises to produce fireworks.

The co-feature spotlights Alberto Machado (19-0, 16 KOs) defending his super featherweight title against No. 1 contender Rafael Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) in a 12-round battle. Machado, 27, hails from San Juan, Puerto Rico; Mensah, also 27, is a native of Accra, Ghana, and has 12 more pro bouts than the champ.

This doubleheader marks the 39th consecutive year that HBO Boxing has televised a fight card from Las Vegas.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

All HBO boxing events are presented in HDTV. HBO viewers must have access to the HBO HDTV channel to watch HBO programming in high definition.

The executive producer of HBO Sports is Rick Bernstein; producer, Dave Harmon; director, Johnathan Evans.

® HBO BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

LIAM SMITH will be fired up by critics who have trashed his chances of taking the WBO super-welterweight title challenge from Jaime Munguia in Las Vegas on Saturday July 21.

The Liverpool boxer will be attempting to regain the title he lost against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in September 2016 when their clash drew 51,000 fans to the AT&T Stadium in Dallas.

Munguia, 21, has won all 29 professional fights with 25 wins coming by KO. He caused an upset in May when he ripped the title from Sadam Ali – stopping the defending champion in four rounds.

But Smith is ready to ruin the Mexican’s first defence at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and earn himself huge unification clashes that will set him up for life.

Smith, 29, said ahead of the fight that will be shown by BT Sport: “I will be gutted if I don’t win this fight.

“I am a little bit more hungry because a few people have written me off so I’m gonna make them eat their words.

“It has given me a little bit more fire. I want to become a world champion again.”

“Munguia is a good fighter. He is big for the weight and it doesn’t take a genius to see he can punch.

“He is one of those young, enthusiastic fighters who is trying to make a statement in every fight and he’s just getting better and better.

“It is winnable, but it is what a world title fight should be. I’m a challenger, on the road and it should be a tough fight.”

Smith whose only defeat in 28 fights came against Canelo is taking little notice of Munguia’s win against Ali.

He explained: “Sadam Ali was in the right place, right time when he beat Miguel Cotto to win the title, but I still thought he might have had too much nous for Munguia.

“I watched Munguia in February before there was talk of him fighting any of the names and classed him as a decent prospect who was coming through.

“Apart from Sadam he hasn’t fought any one of note. If you look at his record there is not one other person there where you’d say, ‘Look he has beaten, him’.

“The way the fight happened I wasn’t fully surprised because it was basically a middleweight against a welterweight.

“I am not small for a super-welterweight though and that is one reason why I am not fazed by this. I’m big enough myself and confident in my own size.”

If Smith wins he will become the first two-time world champion from Liverpool and is the first scouser to top the bill in the world’s fight capital.

He said: “For someone who didn’t want to box as a kid I’ve fought Canelo in Dallas, and now I am topping the bill in Las Vegas on BT Sport and HBO.”

LOS ANGELES (July 11, 2018): Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs), the newly-crowned WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, hosted a media workout today at the Westside Boxing Club ahead of the first defense of his title against former world champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round main event Saturday, July 21 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (19-0, 16 KOs), who will put his WBA Super Featherweight World Title on the line as he faces undefeated No. 1 Contender Rafael “Sweet Pea” Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) in the 12-round co-main event, also participated in the workout.

Here’s what Munguia and Machado had to say during today’s media workout:

JAIME MUNGUIA, WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion:

“We had a sensational training camp. We have a great team, so I feel very good. The potential fight against Gennady Golovkin really got my name out there. It allowed me to get the opportunity to fight for a world title. I’m grateful for that. I’m also grateful that the NSAC didn’t allow me to fight against Golovkin because it lead to this world title.

I’m always 100% ready. I got the call to fight Sadam Ali with only two weeks notice. The only struggle was to lose the weight, but other than that I was ready. I knew my advantage was my reach and my power. I knew that he was a smaller fighter. Those were the keys to my victory.

I feel very motivated now that I am a world champion. Everyone is going to talk about to me after this fight. This will open up more opportunities, and people will mention my name with the likes of Canelo Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin.

I think that the only advantage that Liam Smith has is that he’s fought in big events before. But I have many fights under my belt. I have a lot of experience. I had over 100 fights as an amateur. All this experience gives me a lot of confidence when I step into the ring. Also, Smith might say that he’s a natural 154-pounder, but I want to tell him that I’m a natural 160-pounder who drops down. I’m very happy with the training camp we had and very confident about this fight.”

ALBERTO “EXPLOSIVO” MACHADO, WBA Super Featherweight World Champion:

“It’s been about 10 months since my last fight. But it served me well. It allowed me to get some rest and to work on some technical details I needed to work on. I had been boxing for 15 years straight, so it was a necessary rest.

Fighting on HBO for the first time was a dream come true. I used to gather with my friends to watch Miguel Cotto, Ivan Calderon and Felix Trinidad on HBO, so this was definitely a dream come true. The fight against Jezreel Corrales was very tough. At first, he didn’t event make weight. I knew he had a lot more experience than I did too. But I brought out the spirit that characterizes us a boxers to walk away with the victory.

For this camp, I worked on strategy and technique. I had more time to travel to Los Angeles and work with Freddie Roach. During this camp, I really got to see why he is a Hall of Fame trainer. I got to see why he’s had so many world champions. On July 21, you will definitely see a new and improved Alberto Machado.”

(ABOVE: Maricela Cornejo, Joet Gonzalez and Richard Acevedo pose for the media ahead of their fights on
the July 13 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN)

Click HERE for Photos/Videos
Photo Credit: Tom Hogan-HoganPhotos/Golden Boy Promotions
Video Credit: Golden Boy Promotions

Fighters from the July 13 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN also participated in the workout. Rising featherweight contender Joet Gonzalez (19-0, 11 KOs) will battle for the vacant NABO 126-pound title against Rafael ‘Big Bang’ Rivera (25-1-2, 16 KOs) in the 10-round main event.

Richard “Kansas Kid” Acevedo (2-0, 2 KOs) will return in a four-round super welterweight fight against Quantavious Green (1-2-1, 1 KO) of Shreveport, La. Maricela “La Diva” Cornejo (11-2, 4 KOs) will return in a six-round super middleweight fight against Samantha Pill (3-0) of Fairmont, West Virginia. All the action will take place at The Novo by Microsoft
at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles.

Here’s what fighters on the July 13 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPNhad to say during today’s media workout:

JOET GONZALEZ, Featherweight Contender:

“I can compete with all the champions at Featherweight. I’ve sparred with the likes of Oscar Valdez, Leo Santa Cruz and Mikey Garcia. And I compete with them. I’m not just a sparring partner. I give them their money’s worth. That should tell you where I am in the division. I’m excited that Golden Boy gave us the opportunity. My manager Frank Espinoza and my team really worked hard for this fight. The NABO title will open a lot of doors and opportunities, so I’m really excited about that. My best quality is being smart. There are fighters who get scared when they get touched. But I can take a punch. If we need to make it a war, I can make it a war. But because I fight smart, I know how to get someone out using my head.”

MARICELA “LA DIVA” CORNEJO, Super Middleweight Prospect:

“It’s been great to feel the support from Golden Boy. We have had great meetings. That makes me confident because I know they have my back. They’re doing their part to help me, so I know I have to be in the gym doing my part as well. Samantha Pill had 10 fights as amateur. That’s six more than I did. I didn’t have that much but I’m learning on the job. She’s taller than me so I know I have to go in there smart, but I was made for this. I always knew I was meant to be successful in this sport, and I feel myself getting better and better in every fight.”

RICHARD “KANSAS KID” ACEVEDO, Super Welterweight Prospect:

“I’m staying busy with Golden Boy Promotions, and it feels great. I’m in the best shape of my life training with the Saucedo Brothers at Westside Boxing. My opponent is a tough guy and I know I can’t go in too confident, but I’m positive I’ll come out with a great win. I feel stronger than ever and I look forward to moving up in my division to get better and better fights.”

Munguia vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight
World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Frank Warren. Machado vs. Mensah is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Don King Productions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event takes place Saturday, July 21, 2018 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Smith are priced at $20, $50, $75, $100 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or The Joint Box Office at (702) 693-5000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

Gonzalez vs. Rivera is a 10-round fight for the vacant NABO Featherweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Hennessy, “Never Stop, Never Settle.” The fights will take place on Friday, July 13, 2018 at The Novo by Microsoft at L.A. LIVE. Doors to the event open at 3:00 p.m. PT, and the first fight begins at 4:00 p.m. PT. ESPN and ESPN Deportes will air the fights beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

Tickets for Gonzalez vs. Rivera are priced at $20, $40, and $60, not including applicable service charges and taxes. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call AXS at1-888-9-AXS-TIX (1-888-929-7849) or The Novo Box Office (213) 765-7000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com, www.thenovodtla.com, www.axs.com, and www.lalive.com.

July 21 Boxing After Dark:
For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com,
www.hbo.com/boxing and www.hardrockhotel.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @HardRockHotelLV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
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July 13 GBP on ESPN:
For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and http://www.espn.com/boxing/; follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing, @OscarDeLaHoya, @ESPN, and @ESPNBoxeo; become a fan on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing; and follow on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing and @OscarDeLaHoya. Follow the conversation using #GonzalezRivera.

July 21 Boxing After Dark:
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/MunguiaSmith into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

July 13 GBP on ESPN:
Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting link: http://bit.ly/GonzalezRivera into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

LAS VEGAS (June 21, 2018): Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs), the newly-crowned WBO Junior Middleweight World Champion of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, will make the first defense of his title against former world champion Liam “Beefy” Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round main event Saturday, July 21 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Munguia is a dangerous 21-year-old puncher who has ended 25 of his fights by stunning knockout. Munguia has only fought twice in the United States, the second of which was for a last-minute title opportunity against Sadam “World Kid” Ali in May. Munguia used his enormous height and reach advantages to drop Ali several times before a thunderous left hook ended matters in the fourth round. The newly-crowned champion is excited to defend his new belt.

“I’m very excited and thankful with everyone that made this possible,” said Jaime Munguia.”I invite the fans to go and see me live or to tune in on HBO. I will defend my WBO title with pride and honor. See you in Vegas!”

Smith, the first of an impressive stable of brothers to win a world title, is a 29-year-old native of Liverpool, England. After scoring 20 impressive victories as a professional, Smith defeated John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson via seventh-round technical knockout to capture the WBO 154-pound title. Smith then lost the title against Canelo Alvarez in front of over 50,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in an impressive show of heart. Smith has had three victories since, and after pulling out of his May 12 fight against Sadam Ali due to an illness, he is more than ready to regain the title that was once his.

“To go to Vegas and fight for a world title is every fighter’s dream,” said Liam Smith.”But it’s only an extra incentive to my main motivation – getting that WBO world junior middleweight title back around my waist.Munguia is obviously a dangerous puncher and I’ll have to be wary of him early on, but he’s never fought someone as good as me and a fully-fledged 154lb fighter. I can’t afford to look an inch past Munguia though. He’s world champion for a reason and with such a high knockout percentage, I’m going to have to be my best ever. Unfortunately for Munguia, that’s what I’ll be.”

In the co-main event, Alberto “Explosivo” Machado (19-0, 16 KOs) will put his WBA Super Featherweight World Title on the line as he faces undefeated No. 1 Contender Rafael “Sweet Pea” Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) in a 12-round battle.

Machado, a 27-year-old of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a big man for his division and boasts power in both hands. After unifying two regional titles with a dominant unanimous decision victory against Carlos “The Solution” Morales, Machado defeated Jezreel “El Invisible” Corrales by way of eighth-round knockout to capture WBA Super Featherweight Title in Oct. 2017. The hard-hitting southpaw promises to retain his title on July 21.

“One as a fighter knows the sacrifices that are made to become world champion,” said Alberto Machado. “Because of that, I will defend my title with blood and honor this July 21. Rafael Mensah is the mandatory challenger, and he possess great credentials, including an impressive record. That’s why I’m preparing more than ever to walk away with my hand raise in my first defense.”

Mensah is a 27-year-old contender of Accra, Ghana who made his professional debut in 2010. Since then he has steadily climbed up 130-pound rankings, earning his spot at the top of the WBA rankings and a shot at the title. Mensah is confident that he has the skills to outclass Machado.

“I know Machado and there is no doubt I can beat him,” said Rafael Mensah. “When I saw Machado, I said ‘Yes, I can beat you. You are not somebody that can beat me. You cannot beat Rafael Mensah. I will come and maybe not knock you out, but I will beat you in boxing and teach you a good boxing lesson.'”

“We’re excited to bring two world title fights to Las Vegas on July 21,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Jaime Munguia exploded onto the championship scene last year in devastating fashion, and we’re delighted to showcase him once again on another HBO main event. The co-main event will also bring fireworks as Alberto Machado makes the first defense of what will be a very long reign.”

“I’m proud and excited that this Mexican Kid from Tijuana [Munguia], who’s the hottest fighter in boxing today, will once again fight on July 21 against the tough Liam Smith,” said Fernando Beltran, CEO of Zanfer Promotions. “I know he will prevail again in spectacular fashion like he always does.”

“Liam Smith was very confident of beating Sadam Ali, but unfortunately the allergic reaction he suffered temporarily sidelined his plans,” said Frank Warren.”Munguia looked impressive beating the former champion, but Liam actually feels he is a better stylistic match up for him than Ali would have been.I’m very confident Liam will be recapturing the WBO Junior Middleweight Title and bringing it back to the UK.”

“When Jaime Munguia made his HBO debut this past May, he put the division on notice with a spectacular knockout and captured a 154-pound title”, said Peter Nelson, Executive Vice President, HBO Sports. “He looks to keep the momentum going on July 21 as he takes on his mandatory challenger Liam Smith, who hopes to take the title back to his native UK.”

The rest of this undercard will be announced shortly.

Munguia vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Zanfer Promotions and Frank Warren. Machado vs. Mensah is a 12-round fight for the WBA Super Featherweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions in association with Don King Productions. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila.The event takes place Saturday, July 21, 2018 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. The fight will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Tickets for Munguia vs. Smith are priced at $20, $50, $75, $100 and $125, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets go on sale Thursday, June 28 at 10:00 a.m. PST. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or The Joint Box Office at (702) 693-5000. Tickets will also be available for purchase at www.goldenboytickets.com and www.ticketmaster.com.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/MunguiaSmith into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing
and www.hardrockhotel.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @HardRockHotelLV. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/hboboxing and www.facebook.com/HardRockHotelLV. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOBoxing and @HardRockHotelLV. Follow the conversation using #MunguiaSmith.

About The Joint
The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is a 4,255-person capacity venue that serves as a sophisticated, intimate and unparalleled entertainment destination. The Joint features seven luxury suites, a VIP studio level, state-of-the-art sound system, superior video system and a production package tailor-made for artist comfort. It has received numerous accolades including “No. 1 Hottest Club in America” award by Billboard Magazine, “Casino Of The Year – Medium Capacity” award by the Academy of Country Music, “Best Live Music Venue in Las Vegas” by MetroWize.com, “Best New Major Concert Venue” at the Pollstar Awards, “Best Live Music Venue” in AOL City’s Best awards, “Best Rock Residency Program” by Las Vegas Weekly, “Best Concert Venue” by Las Vegas Review-Journal and more. The Joint delivers unforgettable live music experiences with performances by both legendary and groundbreaking artists including Paul McCartney, the Killers, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Nine Inch Nails, The Who, Imagine Dragons, Prince, Arcade Fire, Muse, Drake and No Doubt. The venue has been home to successful residencies with Carlos Santana, Tiësto, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, KISS, Rascal Flatts and Journey. For more information visit www.thejointlasvegas.com. Follow The Joint on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

WBO Junior Middleweight champion Sadam Ali will now take on Jaime Munguia on May 12th in Verona, New York, according to Dan Rafael of espn.com. Munguia replaces Liam Smith, who had to pull out due to an illness.

“Munguia is in,” Golden Boy Promotions Eric Gomez said. “We’re delighted to save the show. Sadam Ali is willing to fight any and all comers. Munguia is probably more dangerous [than Smith]. He’s undefeated, and he’s a huge puncher.”

An illness has forced Liam Smith to postpone his WBO Super-Welterweight World Title challenge against Sadam Ali, scheduled for May 12th at the Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York.

WBO number one contender Smith, 29, is attempting to regain the 154lb crown that he lost against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas in September 2016, and is hopeful that a new date can be scheduled as soon as possible.

“I’m bitterly disappointed that I have been forced to postpone my fight with Sadam Ali to a later date,” said Smith. “A recent illness has severely impacted on my training schedule, leaving me with no choice but to postponed the May 12th date.

“I’ve been out of training for eight days. We’re not sure exactly what was wrong with me but it appears to be some sort of allergic reaction. I’m not injured and I’m hoping that the fight can be rescheduled quickly.

“I’m gutted for Ali and all of the fans that were looking forward to watching the fight. I’d like to thank Golden Boy promotions and my promoter Frank Warren for working on a new date for the fight.

“Ali is a World class fighter and I need to be fully prepared for when I step in the ring with him. I want to give the fans a fight to remember.”

Further details on a rescheduled date for Ali v Smith will be announced in due course.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (April 25, 2018): Rey Vargas (31-0, 22 KOs), the undefeated world champion of Mexico City, Mexico, discussed his training camp ahead of the third defense of his WBC Super Bantamweight World Title against Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (14-2, 11 KOs) in the 12-round co-main event to Sadam “World Kid” Ali and Liam “Beefy” Smith for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship on Saturday, May 12 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

The 27-year-old champion is currently in the strongest stage of sparring at the famed Romanza Gym in Mexico City, Mexico, under the supervision of Hall of Fame Trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristaín, along with Oscar Ortiz and Fabian and Emilio Ramirez.When he is not sparring or doing his daily conditioning training, Vargas trains out of his home gym in Otumba, Mexico, working offensive and defensive strategies according to the fight plan in mind.

Vargas had the following to say regarding his training camp and his future in the sport of boxing:

“Like always, we’re working on being better for the next fight. We’re also working on power and movement, but also on technique and strategy. Nevertheless, everything will be determined in the ring. He can study me all he wants. He could have the better corner, or I could have the better corner. At the end of the day, it will just be me and him, so the one who has prepared the best and has the better strategy will win.”

“We are just days away from this great fight against a great fighter [Hovhannisyan] who knows how to brawl and move about the ring. He can fight from both stances, so he’s not just any kind of fighter. We have to really take into account of who is stepping into the ring with us.”

“I know that Hovhannisyan has some experience fighting against Mexicans, but not all of us are the same. I know how to box and brawl. It’s going to be an interesting fight because he’s a brawler who knows how to move when he decides to. We also can’t take away the fact that he has a lot of power. It’s interesting that we have fought a similar opponent [Ronny Rios]. He knocked him out in six rounds, while I defeated him by unanimous decision. Because of that there may be some doubts, but I’ll make things clear May 12.”

“This fight is my first priority, and I hope to walk out of this fight well and with my hand raised in victory. I want the people to be happy from a great performance. But of course, I’m also thinking about possible unification fights in the future. I would love to unify titles with the current IBF champion Ryosuke Iwase, an opponent who really has caught my attention because he earned his title by knockout in foreign territory.”

Ali vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren. Vargas vs. Hovhannisyan is a 12-round battle for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The event takes place Saturday, May 12 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. ET, and the first fight begins at 6:30 p.m. ET. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Host of the May 12 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The May event will mark Turning Stone’s 25th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000-seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues with live entertainment every weekend.

Tickets for this highly anticipated matchup are on sale and are available from $95 and $75 for ringside seats and all others priced at $55 and $45, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office in person or by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Professional media requesting credentials for Ali vs. Smith must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/SadamAliLiamSmith into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing
and www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @TurningStone. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/hboboxing and www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @TurningStone. Follow the conversation using #AliSmith.

VERONA, NY. (April 5, 2018): Rey Vargas (31-0, 22 KOs), the undefeated world champion of Mexico City, Mexico, will make the third defense of his WBC Super Bantamweight World title against explosive Armenian contender Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (14-2, 11 KOs) in the 12-round co-main event to Sadam “World Kid” Ali and Liam “Beefy” Smith for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship on Saturday, May 12 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The doubleheader will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Vargas is a 27-year-old world champion who brings a considerable height and reach advantage to every fight, which he has used to defeat all of his previous opponents. In February 2017, Vargas traveled to the United Kingdom to defeat Gavin McDonnell for the vacant WBC Super Bantamweight Title. For that fight, Vargas enlisted the help of Hall of Fame trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, who has been training him ever since. Vargas then defended the title against Ronny Rios and Oscar “El Jaguar” Negrete, and he’ll look to make his third defense against yet another tough contender in Hovhannisyan.

“I’m ready to make the third defense of my world title in what will be the next step of a historic career,” said Rey Vargas. “I’ve faced the best contenders since becoming world champion, and May 12 will not be the exception. Hovhannisyan is explosive and fast, but I will be prepared to win in exciting fashion to show that I’m the best super bantamweight in the world.”

Hovhannisyan is a fiery contender who has worked hard for his title opportunity. In September 2017, the 29-year-old fought with an injured right hand across 10 rounds of grueling action to win the vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Bantamweight Title on the undercard of Linares vs. Campbell. Hovhannisyan then returned in March for his most impressive victory yet, a sixth-round technical knockout win against former world title challenger Ronny Rios. After defeating a common opponent of Vargas via a more impressive manner, Hovhannisyan will look to use his quick and aggressive style to earn his first world title.

“This is the most important fight of my career,” said Azat Hovhannisyan. “I’ve prepared for this fight my entire life. Vargas is a great champion and this will be a hard fight, but I will do anything it takes to win this title.”

“Both of these world championship fights on May 12 will provide action from the opening bell,” said Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya. “Rey Vargas is the man to beat in the 122-pound division, and Azat Hovhanniysan has put in the work to potentially dethrone him.”

“Promociones del Pueblo and Golden Boy Promotions are dedicated to making great fights like this one,” said Oswaldo Kuchle, President of Promociones del Pueblo. “Rey Vargas has all the tools to walk away with the victory and will remove all doubts regarding his position as the best fighter in the 122-pound division.”

Ali vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren. Vargas vs. Hovhannisyan is a 12-round battle for the WBC Super Bantamweight World Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Promociones del Pueblo. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The doubleheader takes place Saturday, May 12 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Host of the May 12 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The May event will mark Turning Stone’s 25th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000-seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues with live entertainment every weekend.

Tickets for this highly anticipated matchup are on sale and are available from $95 and $75 for ringside seats and all others priced at $55 and $45, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office in person or by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Professional media requesting credentials for Ali vs. Smith must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/SadamAliLiamSmith into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing
and www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @TurningStone. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,
www.facebook.com/hboboxing and www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @TurningStone. Follow the conversation using #AliSmith.

Sadam “World Kid” Ali (26-1, 14 KOs) will defend his WBO Junior Middleweight World Championship against hard-hitting former world champion and No.1 contender Liam “Beefy” Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs) in a 12-round main event at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, N.Y. The event will take place Saturday, May 12 and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10.00 p.m. ET/PT and BT Sport and BoxNation in the UK.

Ali, a 2008 U.S. Olympian, has always displayed the skills of a future world champion. The 29-year-old pride of Brooklyn, N.Y. held multiple regional titles and scored important wins against the likes of Francisco “Chia” Santana, Luis Carlos “El Potro” Abregu and former interim WBA World Super Lightweight Champion Johan “El Terrible” Perez. Though suffering a setback in a welterweight title fight against Jessie Vargas, Ali silenced his doubters by moving up to 154 pounds to defeat future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto in Dec. 2017. The newly-crowned WBO Junior Middleweight Champion will face a tough challenge in Smith, a former holder the same 154-pound title.

“It felt great to accomplish my dream of becoming world champion,” said Sadam Ali. “I’m excited to defend my title and to demonstrate that it is not up for grabs. Liam Smith is a great fighter and I’m sure he’ll be ready, but so will I.”

Smith, the first of an impressive stable of brothers to win a world title, is a 29-year-old native of Liverpool, England. After scoring 20 impressive victories as a professional, Smith defeated John “Apollo Kidd” Thompson via seventh-round technical knockout to capture the WBO 154-pound title that Ali currently holds. Smith then faced Canelo Alvarez in front of over 50,000 fans at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Smith lost the title in an impressive show of heart and determination, and after three consecutive victories, he is ready to regain the title that was once his.

“I’m very happy that we’ve got this fight,” said Liam Smith. “I’m looking forward to pitting myself against a good fighter in Sadam Ali, a former Olympian and now world champion who is coming off the back of a good win against Miguel Cotto. I’m confident going into this fight. I know I’m naturally the bigger man, and that will come into play, especially in the type of fight that I think it will be.”

“Sadam Ali climbed onto the world championship stage with one of the biggest upsets in boxing history when he snatched the WBO Junior Middleweight World Title from Four-Division, Six Time World Champion, and Future Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Being in the ring with a hungry fighter with a world championship belt on his resume like Liam Smith will be nothing new to Ali. Sadam will prove yet again he’s someone to watch out for in the division.”

“This is Liam’s chance to reclaim his world title,” said Frank Warren. “He’s come through two hard fights against Liam Williams to earn his shot, and he’s done what he set out to do. When he lost his belt against Canelo Alvarez, Liam said he would be a world champion again, and on May 12 he will deliver on that promise.”

Ali vs. Smith is a 12-round fight for the WBO Junior Middleweight Championship presented by Golden Boy Promotions in association with Frank Warren. The event is sponsored by Tecate, “THE OFFICIAL BEER OF BOXING” and Casa Mexico Tequila. The fight will take place Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, New York and will be televised live on HBO World Championship Boxing beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Host of the May 12 event, Turning Stone Resort Casino is a Forbes Four-Star Award-winning destination resort, which continues to distinguish itself as a premier venue for fight-of-the-year level boxing. The May event will mark Turning Stone’s 25th nationally-televised boxing event, cementing the resort as a leading destination for nationally-televised combat sports. Turning Stone features world-class amenities including four hotels, more than 20 signature restaurants and dining options, two spas, an all-new 125,000 square foot Las Vegas style gaming floor, a cabaret-style Showroom, a 5,000-seat arena, five golf courses, several bars, cocktail lounges and nightlife venues with live entertainment every weekend.

Tickets for this highly anticipated matchup go on sale Tuesday, March 20 at 10:00 am ET and are available from $95 and $75 for ringside seats and all others priced at $55 and $45, plus any applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at the Turning Stone Resort Box Office in person or by calling 315-361-7469 or online at Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com).

Professional media requesting credentials for Ali vs. Smith must contact Kelly Abdo, Turning Stone Resort Casino Public Relations Manager at kelly.abdo@turningstone.com.

Photos and videos are available to download by clicking here or copying and pasting the link http://bit.ly/SadamAliLiamSmith into a browser. Credit must be given to Golden Boy Promotions for photos and videos used.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.hbo.com/boxing, and www.turningstone.com. Follow on Twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @HBOboxing @TurningStone. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/hboboxing, and www.facebook.com/TurningStoneResort. Visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing and @TurningStone. Follow the conversation using #AliSmith.

Characteristically, ‘Beefy’ was bristling with bad intent when Glynn Evans caught up with him last night ahead of Saturday’s scintillating re-sit against bitter rival Liam Williams at Newcastle’s Metro Arena.
BT Sport and BoxNation screen live.

“Part of why we accepted this rematch was to disprove all the fans and media who feel Williams was hard done by. The way I view it is that the controversial ending on a cut robbed me of recognition for a great comeback victory on a bad night.

A similar thing happened to Carl Froch in the first fight against George Groves. Carl was on his way to turning the fight but the so called ‘premature stoppage’ took from his glory. Look at the props Frank Buglioni received for executing his last round stoppage against Hosea Burton. I was denied that.

Look, it’s me who should be aggrieved by the ending to our first fight. Had the fight continued, I’m very confident that Williams would not have seen the end of the 12th round, not because of the cut but because he was fading massively.

Understand this, he was only one round in front on all judges’ cards and there were three rounds remaining. No way was he going to win two of them, that he needed to do to get the decision. Points or stoppage, I was getting my hand raised.

And I can’t stress enough, Williams had started bleeding before the ‘head clash’ everyone says caused the fight to finish. Williams was weakening physically and just opted to take the easy way out.

Was the butt retaliation for earlier clashes? I honestly couldn’t tell you because of the adrenalin of the fight but, yeh, it probably was! I’m the type that, if you do wrong to me and the ref doesn’t get involved, you can expect it back.

Williams was warned repeatedly for using forearms and his head, and for holding but no reductions. Jason Welborn and Jimmy (Kilrain) Kelly tried similar and they both copped it before I stopped them. Don’t expect me to just stand back and take it.

Nothing Williams did surprised me. We knew he was a good kid technically. He can box but you didn’t have to be anything special to outbox me that night. He can’t fight inside though and doesn’t have the variety that he thinks he has. His power is pretty average. He didn’t ever come close to buzzing me. If he stood and fought with me he’d have no chance.

And he showed mental vulnerabilities. He wasn’t able to bully me like he bullied Ronnie Heffron and Gary Corcoran and couldn’t cope with that. Questions remain. Can he do the 12 round distance? He faded badly last time in a fight where he’d pretty much been having his own way.

This time there’ll be no issues with me missing the weight. Every fighter finds cutting weight hard and those final couple of pounds just wouldn’t come out of me. For the rematch, I started my prep longer out and I’m in better shape. Expect me to be very, very strong.

On Saturday, you’ll witness a totally better version of Liam Smith. I’m gonna methodically break Williams down and stop him. ”

Elsewhere on a huge evening of boxing in Newcastle Country Durham’s Thomas Patrick Ward (20-0) will defend his British Super-Bantamweight Championship against Brimingham’s Sean Davis (13-1-0)

Rising Guisborough Super-Lightweight star Josh Leather (12-0) makes the first defence of his IBF European title against Sunderland rival Glenn Foot (21-2).

Ricky Hatton-trained Heavyweight Nathan Gorman (10-0) takes on Mohammed Soltby (13-0) for the Vacant WBC International Heavyweight Championship.

Explosive Super-Middleweight Mark Heffron (Oldham, 16-0) another of Ricky Hatton’s excellent young stable of fighters, takes on former Tommy Langford and Jamie Cox opponent Lewis Taylor (19-4-1); undefeated Jeff Saunders (11-0) of Sedgefield takes on undefeated Liverpudlian Steven Lewis (14-0)

In addition, local prospects Troy Williamson (Darlington, 3-0) Kalam Leather (Guisborough, 2-0) Joe Maphosa (Thornaby, 1-0) and Michael Watson (Sedgefield, Pro debut) will all appear on the bill.

Tickets for Smith v Williams 2 priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

Metro Radio Arena
0844 493 6666
www.metroradioarena.co.uk
In person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

EDMONTON, Canada (November 6, 2017) – In its continuing efforts as the boxing network destination for Canadian boxing fans, Super Channel has announced that it has secured the exclusive rights to air the Liam “Beefy” Smith vs. Liam Williams rematch, this Saturday (Nov. 11), live from Metro Radio Arena in New Castle, United Kingdom.

The replay of Smith vs. Williams I from this past April will also air on Super Channel this Friday (11 p.m. / 8 p.m. PT) and Saturday (1:45 p.m. ET / 10:45 a.m. PT).

The Smith vs. Williams II card, presented by Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions and starting at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT, will be a 12-round World Boxing Organization (WBO) super welterweight title eliminator with the winner positioned to fight the winner of the WBO title fight between defending champion Miquel Cotto and challenger Sadam Ali in December. Cotto, however, claims that he will retire after that fight. Williams is presently rated No. 2 by the WBO, Smith No. 4, as well as No. 7 in The Ring magazine’s independent rankings.

Additional Smith vs. Williams II card fights airing Saturday on Super Channel will be announced later this week.

“With the World Boxing Super Series taking a break before the semi-final matches return in the new year, we are excited to be able to continue to deliver high-stakes, world-class boxing to Canadian fight fans with this highly acclaimed rematch between Smith and Williams,” said Troy Wassill, Director of Programming, Domestic Distributors & Sports for Super Channel. “Given the controversy surrounding their initial match in April, tension will be high and both fighters will be looking to settle a score.”

In the last fight for both boxers, Smith (25-1-1, 14 KOs) won a controversial fight last April when Williams retired after the ninth round, despite leading on all three judges’ scorecards by identical scores of 86-85. Williams had suffered a double laceration on his right eyebrow that he claimed was the result of Smith’s flagrant headbutt in the third round. Smith believes he was robbed of the opportunity to knockout Williams.

The 29-year-old Smith captured the WBO Super Welterweight World Championship in 2015, stopping American Josh Thompson (17-1) in the seventh round. The gifted Brit made two successful title defenses against fellow countryman and previously undefeated “Jimmy” Kilrain Kelly (16-0) and Predrag Radosevic (30-1), stopping them in the seventh and second rounds, respectively.

Smith lost his belt to star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez a year ago, getting knocked out in the ninth round of their WBO title fight in Texas. Smith won a four-round decision against Marian Cazacu in a tune-up fight this past March, setting the stage for an interim WBO super welterweight title fight against Williams last April in Manchester, UK. Smith won the fight but was ineligible to capture the interim title because he failed to make the contracted weight.

“I don’t think you had to be a good fighter to beat me in the first six rounds of our first fight,” Smith said about his original fight with Williams. “I was slow, flat and sluggish. I can never be that bad again. What I did to try and make weight during fight week killed me. It was nothing to do with having a slow start by game plan. Liam had a good start and I couldn’t have been worse. There are 10 fighters in Britain that could have properly out-boxed me on that night.

“The fight was changing before round nine. He threw his head in numerous times because I didn’t get cut off it. Regardless, you go in the ring, you get wet. The minute you got cut, you knew your chips were down. You spewed it! You chose to let Gary (his head trainer) pull you out. You knew you’d had your moment and you were gone.

“I was up for this rematch and that is why we’re here now. As soon as I start better, Liam is going to be in more of a fight earlier on and he won’t get his own way. It is only to go one way and he is going to crumble earlier than he did last time. I am stronger than him and I have more heart than him.”

Williams, 25, has notable victories over Gabor Gorbics (22-4) for the vacant WBO European super middleweight title, and Gary Corcoran (15-0) for the BBBBofC British crown. The Welshman also was the Commonwealth (British Empire) 154-pound division titlist.

“Our first meeting was a good fight,” Williams explained. “I felt like I started very well. I was out-boxing him and getting a lot of rounds in the bag. He was coming on strong, which we were always prepared for, (because) that is the kind of fighter Liam is. He comes with a very solid defense and he is very strong.

“Obviously it ended the way it did. It wasn’t fair. We didn’t give the fans a chance to see what the proper outcome should have been. I took a nasty cut to the eye. These things happen, it isn’t a tickling contest. These things happen in boxing and I’m glad to get a chance to do it again.

“I think he was down in the fight and he needed to do something. It was frustrating, and I do believe the head clash was intentional. We are both going to be better. I am going to be more prepared and it is going to be another cracking fight. I’m going to put this to bed.”
Super Channel has aired several major boxing events live in 2017 including Brook vs. Spence Jr., Pacquiao vs.Horn, Eubank, Jr. vs. Abraham, Lomachenko vs. Marriaga, Crawford vs. Indongo and the World Boxing Super Series (WBSS) quarterfinals.

To watch Smith vs. Williams, as well as more exciting boxing to come, fight fans in Canada can contact their local cable provider to subscribe to Super Channel and all that it offers, including premium series, movies and much more, for as low as $9.95 per month.
About Super Channel

Super Channelis a national premium pay television network, consisting of four HD channels, four SD channels, and Super Channel On Demand.

Super Channel’s mission is to entertain and engage Canadian audiences by providing a unique and exclusive entertainment experience. With a core foundation of integrity and accountability, we dedicate ourselves to implementing innovative programming strategies and unparalleled team work that provides viewers with exceptional value and variety.

Super Channel is owned by Allarco Entertainment 2008 Inc., an Edmonton-based media company.

Super Channel is currently available on Bell TV, Shaw Direct, Rogers Anyplace TV, Shaw Cable, Cogeco Cable, Access Communications, Bell Alliant TV, Source Cable, SaskTel, MTS, Novus, EastLink, TELUS, Videotron, Westman Communications and other regional providers.

Connect with Super Channel:

www.superchannel.ca
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Clydach Vale clouter Liam Williams insists bitter rival Liam Smith is suffering from delusion as they embark on their spicy looking ‘No Ifs, No Buts’ rematch at Newcastle’s Metro Arena on Saturday week, broadcast live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The pair renews bitter acquaintance in a WBO Super-Welter eliminator seven months after a spiteful initial encounter in which the wounded Welsh warmonger was withdrawn after nine on medical advice, whilst ahead on all three scorecards.

‘Smith has been very dismissive of me since the last fight but I guarantee I earned his respect. What he rants publically and what he knows in his mind are two completely different things,’ claims the reigning British champion who has lost just once in 18.

‘I think I’ve got to him. Going in, I don’t think he could see himself getting beaten and he’s become utterly deluded. Now he knows the level of skill I bring. He knows the difference in class between us that I displayed for everyone to see in our first fight.

‘I’m one of the small percentage of fighters who doesn’t feel insecure about praising an opponent and Smith deserves credit for what he’s achieved in the sport.

‘He’s a class operator but he brought nothing that we didn’t expect. Sure, he was coming on strong at the end but we’d prepared for that.

‘Besides, it was only after the head clash in the ninth that I began to fall apart. Earlier in the round, I was doing okay. Smith is the worst kind of bully and pounced on my vulnerability.’

The Anglo-Welsh antagonists are unlikely to ever share Christmas cards and, one senses, their mutual dislike extends beyond the competitive one-upmanship of the sporting arena.

But while the rumbler from the Rhondda has history as a hothead, he insists he shall maintain a calm countenance in the presence of serial smack talker Smith when the pair finally come face-to-face again in fight week.

‘Everyone knows that he’s the fiery one of the brothers but, this time, there’ll be no bad lip or aggression from me at the press conference or weigh-in. That’s all in my past,’ he says.

‘In recent gym spars, there’s been a few people who’ve tried to drag me into conflict situations but I’ve retained focus, remained professional. That might not have been the case 12 months back. I’ve matured. I know I’m a role model to some and I’ve kids myself. I don’t want to come across as a bad guy because I’m not.

‘I believe I retained my dignity and came out of the first fight with a lot of respect as a person. Smith showed his true colours and has lost a lot of neutral fans because of that.’

Elsewhere on a huge evening of boxing in Newcastle Country Durham’s Thomas Patrick Ward (20-0) will defend his British Super-Bantamweight Championship against Brimingham’s Sean Davis (13-1-0)

Rising Guisborough Super-Lightweight star Josh Leather (12-0) makes the first defence of his IBF European title against Sunderland rival Glenn Foot (21-2).

Ricky Hatton-trained Heavyweight Nathan Gorman (10-0) takes on Mohammed Soltby (13-0) for the Vacant WBC International Heavyweight Championship.

Explosive Super-Middleweight Mark Heffron (Oldham, 16-0) another of Ricky Hatton’s excellent young stable of fighters, takes on former Tommy Langford and Jamie Cox opponent Lewis Taylor (19-4-1); undefeated Jeff Saunders (11-0) of Sedgefield takes on undefeated Liverpudlian Steven Lewis (14-0)

In addition, local prospects Troy Williamson (Darlington, 3-0) Kalam Leather (Guisborough, 2-0) Joe Maphosa (Thornaby, 1-0) and Michael Watson (Sedgefield, Pro debut) will all appear on the bill.

Tickets for Smith v Williams 2 priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

Metro Radio Arena
0844 493 6666
www.metroradioarena.co.uk
In person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Liam Smith’s trainer Joe Gallagher has told rival opponent Liam Williams, “Karma is a b*tch.”

The two Liams go to war again at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena on November 11 in a final eliminator for the WBO super-welterweight title, currently held by Miguel Cotto.

When the feuding fighters met in an ‘interim’ world title clash seven months ago, Smith won when a clash of heads forced badly cut Williams to be pulled out by trainer Gary Lockett after nine rounds.

Smith also suffered an X-rated cut when he was butted in round three and Gallagher insists it’s a case of what goes around comes around for the Welshman.

Williams claimed earlier this week that Smith should have been disqualified for the clash that ended the fight in Manchester.

Gallagher fired back: “Liam Smith went through everything in the first fight — cut, elbows, head butts. But he stuck in there even though he was behind. He had belief he could turn it around and did.

“Not enough credit was given to the solid, old school performance he gave. It was all negativity.

“Look at Liam Williams putting the head in on Liam Smith and that (the cut) wasn’t the first time in the fight. He did it all the time.

“He did it years ago with Ronnie Heffron. He did it with Gary Corcoran and karma is a bit of a bitch.

“You can’t go around elbowing and butting people all the time and think you can get away with it.”

Gallagher has admiration for the Welshman’s trainer Gary Lockett, but believes the British champion will be reluctant to have another war with his Liverpool enemy.

Gallagher added: “It was a real gritty performance from Liam Smith. They have had their chance to beat him and they are not going to beat him with pitter-patter stuff running around the ring.

“I know they talk about Liam Williams standing and having a fight, but he isn’t going to do that. He is going to run and it will backfire.

“Judges won’t score for him when he tries to nick a fight like that. They score for aggression when Liam Smith tries to make the fight.

“Liam Williams isn’t going to stand and have it with Liam Smith. He is going to box on the back foot and try to make it do a Hughie Fury v Joe Parker type of fight – not win it, but nick it.

“I have huge respects for Gary Lockett. He is good coach and knows his stuff. I am just giving my opinion when I’m asked what Liam Williams is going to do in Newcastle.”

Elsewhere on a huge evening of boxing in Newcastle Country Durham’s Thomas Patrick Ward (20-0) will defend his British Super-Bantamweight Championship against Brimingham’s Sean Davis (13-1-0)

Rising Guisborough Super-Lightweight star Josh Leather (12-0) makes the first defence of his IBF European title against Sunderland rival Glenn Foot (21-2).

Ricky Hatton-trained Heavyweight talent Nathan Gorman (10-0) faces undefeated German Heavyweight Mohamed Soltby (13-0) for the Vacant WBC International Heavyweight title.

Explosive Super-Middleweight Mark Heffron (Oldham, 16-0) another of Ricky Hatton’s excellent young stable of fighters, takes on former Tommy Langford and Jamie Cox opponent Lewis Taylor (19-4-1); undefeated Jeff Saunders (11-0) of Sedgefield takes on undefeated Liverpudlian Steven Lewis (14-0)

In addition, local prospects Troy Williamson (Darlington, 3-0) Kalam Leather (Guisborough, 2-0) Joe Maphosa (Thornaby, 1-0) and Michael Watson (Sedgefield, Pro debut) will all appear on the bill.

Tickets for Smith v Williams 2 priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

Metro Radio Arena
0844 493 6666
www.metroradioarena.co.uk
In person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Seven months on, Welsh warlord Liam Williams remains adamant that Liam Smith resorted to foul means when relieving him of his unbeaten record during their high grade and highly controversial interim WBO Super-Welter dust-up at Manchester Arena.

The 25 year old reigning British champion flew out of the starting blocks and was ahead on all three judges’ cards when that ‘Big Bang’ occurred late in round nine.

‘Heads had been bumping all night and you train to get your head into the right place so that, if and when that happens, you incur minimal damage,’ says the man from the Rhondda who conceded on his stool after 16 wins and a draw.

‘But I definitely felt the final butt was deliberate. Smith feinted with the jab to pave the way for his nut. It was no accident.

‘One million percent Smith should’ve been disqualified. I felt very let down by the referee (Terry O’Connor). I feel he robbed me of my unbeaten record and chance to become world champion. I can’t see how he possibly missed such a blatant butt.

‘From the offset, I thought I was on the back foot with the ref. Every time we came together, it was always me who he pushed away so, immediately, I was on the back foot.

‘Earlier in the fight, Gary (Lockett, his trainer/manager) had called him over to complain about Smith’s head but he just shook his head and told us to ‘Get on with it’?!’

Ahead of their salivating and no doubt spite filled rematch at Newcastle’s Metro Arena on Saturday week, Williams is quick to remind fight folk that the concluding ‘collision’ had nothing to do with the Scouser’s fists or supremacy as a boxer.

‘It was the decision of the doctor and Gary to withdraw me,’ he stresses.

‘When the cut happened, the blood streamed into my eye and my vision was one big blur. There were two cuts side by side on my eyelid with the tiniest bit of skin holding them together. If I’d taken a couple more blows on the injury my eyeball could’ve been exposed. I knew it was bad from the pain I was in. It took eight stitches and a lot of glue to patch me up.

‘I fully respect that decision but, look, I’m a fighter and 100% I’d have continued if allowed. Sometimes us fighters need saving from ourselves. I’m a young man with a family. You come out healthy and live to fight another day.

‘Smith’s got some front saying that he was cut earlier in the fight (round three) but continued whereas I ‘spewed it’ the moment I started bleeding. You can’t compare the cuts; totally different scale and location. It just shows how ignorant he is!’

‘If he wants to make the rematch nasty, we’ll make it nasty. This time I’ll do anything to win!’

Elsewhere on a huge evening of boxing in Newcastle Country Durham’s Thomas Patrick Ward (20-0) will defend his British Super-Bantamweight Championship against Brimingham’s Sean Davis (13-1-0)

Rising Guisborough Super-Lightweight star Josh Leather (12-0) makes the first defence of his IBF European title against Sunderland rival Glenn Foot (21-2).

Explosive Super-Middleweight Mark Heffron (Oldham, 16-0) another of Ricky Hatton’s excellent young stable of fighters, takes on former Tommy Langford and Jamie Cox opponent Lewis Taylor (19-4-1); undefeated Jeff Saunders (11-0) of Sedgefield takes on undefeated Liverpudlian Steven Lewis (14-0)

In addition, local prospects Troy Williamson (Darlington, 3-0) Kalam Leather (Guisborough, 2-0) Joe Maphosa (Thornaby, 1-0) and Michael Watson (Sedgefield, Pro debut) will all appear on the bill.

Tickets for Smith v Williams 2 priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

Metro Radio Arena
0844 493 6666
www.metroradioarena.co.uk
In person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Liam Williams warns bitter nemesis Liam Smith to prepare for an improved product, both physically and mentally, when they continue their long standing and very public feud at Newcastle’s Metro Arena on November 11th, BT Sport and BoxNation screen live.

In their feisty initial encounter in Manchester last April, the 25-year-old reigning British super-welter king from the Rhondda Valley showed his class to edge ahead on all three cards before his enforced withdrawal, following a butt induced cut after nine rounds.

In defeat, the pride of Clydach Vale was forced to surrender his 17 fight unbeaten record and his dream of lifting the WBO interim title. Nevertheless, he insists the pain was short-lived.

‘I was only down for a couple of days before I gave myself a kick up the arse and started to look to the future,’ says the Gary Lockett coached box-fighter.

‘Obviously it was disappointing to lose my unbeaten record but it’s not as if I took a pasting, got sparked out, or was made a fool of. No one is saying Liam Smith outclassed me.

‘In fact, I took a lot more positives than negatives from the fight. I think I ticked a lot of boxes; I dealt well with the pressure of such a high level promotion and proved my stamina, showed my ability, against a world class fighter, a former world champion.

‘Going in, I thought I was good enough to compete in top class, now I actually know that I am.’

While the judges endorsed the Welshman’s superiority during the 27 minutes that the first encounter lasted, Team Williams have been conscious to guard against any complacency.

‘Trust me, this time, I’m a lot better prepared,’ insists lionheart Liam who has prepped at the Phoenix Gym in Llanrumney.

‘I’ve put myself through enormous sacrifice. Come fight night, I’ll have been at it for 16 weeks and my physique is rock solid. Expect to see me a lot, lot stronger.

‘I’ve cut down on the number of long runs and replaced them with a lot of high intensity 400 metre and 800 metre track work. That’s brought big improvements.

‘I’ve been bang on form in the gym. I’ve sparred a ridiculous number of rounds with some very good champions and, without mentioning names, I’ve been smashing them up. Also, my mind is devoid of the distractions that affected me in the build up to the first fight. I’m far more carefree and focussed, in a very good place mentally.’

Previously revered for his ruggedness and raw power, Williams attracted many new admires for the slick skills and nous which he deployed to coast into a wide early lead on all cards in Manchester. He expects Team Smith to amend their game plan ahead of the re-sit.

‘First fight, it was partly me starting fast, partly him starting slow,’ states Williams.

‘I was very nervous going in but controlled that very well and conserved energy. This time, I expect he’ll come out firing but if he does, he’ll get hit a lot more and might even get put to sleep early!

‘It might be cagey for a round or two but, let’s be realistic here, it’s not going to be a box-off. We’ve both got big points to prove. It won’t be long before it opens up and the biggest winners will be the fans.

‘I was pretty stoked for the first fight but my motivation is a million percent higher this time. I just want to beat Smith up. And when that happens and he comes pleading for a third fight, he can ‘f*** off’! I’ll be heading to the world title.’

Elsewhere on a huge evening of boxing in Newcastle Country Durham’s Thomas Patrick Ward (20-0) will defend his British Super-Bantamweight Championship against Brimingham’s Sean Davis (13-1-0)

Rising Guisborough Super-Lightweight star Josh Leather (12-0) makes the first defence of his IBF European title against Sunderland rival Glenn Foot (21-2).

Ricky Hatton-trained Heavyweight Nathan Gorman (10-0) takes on Mohammed Soltby (13-0) for the Vacant WBC International Heavyweight Championship.

Explosive Super-Middleweight Mark Heffron (Oldham, 16-0) another of Ricky Hatton’s excellent young stable of fighters, takes on former Tommy Langford and Jamie Cox opponent Lewis Taylor (19-4-1); undefeated Jeff Saunders (11-0) of Sedgefield takes on undefeated Liverpudlian Steven Lewis (14-0)

In addition, local prospects Troy Williamson (Darlington, 3-0) Kalam Leather (Guisborough, 2-0) Joe Maphosa (Thornaby, 1-0) and Michael Watson (Sedgefield, Pro debut) will all appear on the bill.

Tickets for Smith v Williams 2 priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

Metro Radio Arena
0844 493 6666
www.metroradioarena.co.uk
In person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Bitter Super-Welterweight rivals Liam Smith and Liam Williams rematch in an Official WBO World Title Eliminator at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle on Saturday 11th November, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

British Champion Williams has accused former World Champion Smith of missing weight on purpose to gain an advantage over him for their first meeting back in April.

On the night, Liverpool man Smith claimed the win after Williams’ trainer Gary Lockett deemed that the Welshman could not continue after being badly cut by a clash of heads.

However, Williams felt he had built up a large lead at the point the fight was stopped and tempers have flared ever since about the controversial circumstances of the fight’s ending, with Smith instead believing that the cut prevented him from seizing an inevitable late stoppage in the fight.

“As far as I’m concerned, I believe they knew exactly what they were doing – trying to get an advantage over me,” said Williams.

“I was tight at the weight and tired from making the last two pounds, but I still made it. Making weight is never easy.

“I just think they thought ‘f**k it’, they didn’t want the title and just wanted to get the win.

“I just think he didn’t care about winning the title and wanted to have every advantage to win that fight. That is my honest opinion.

“From my experiences – his trainer Joe Gallagher is the type of guy who is always on top of his fighters.

“I have been there to his gym and witnessed it myself before. It was a long time ago, but then he had them on the scales before and after every session, monitoring them so they were all on it.”

Elsewhere on a huge evening of boxing in Newcastle Country Durham’s Thomas Patrick Ward (20-0) will defend his British Super-Bantamweight Championship against Brimingham’s Sean Davis (13-1-0)

Rising Guisborough Super-Lightweight star Josh Leather (12-0) makes the first defence of his IBF European title against Sunderland rival Glenn Foot (21-2).

Explosive Super-Middleweight Mark Heffron (Oldham, 16-0) another of Ricky Hatton’s excellent young stable of fighters, takes on former Tommy Langford and Jamie Cox opponent Lewis Taylor (19-4-1); undefeated Jeff Saunders (11-0) of Sedgefield takes on undefeated Liverpudlian Steven Lewis (14-0)

In addition, local prospects Troy Williamson (Darlington, 3-0) Kalam Leather (Guisborough, 2-0) Joe Maphosa (Thornaby, 1-0) and Michael Watson (Sedgefield, Pro debut) will all appear on the bill.

Tickets for Smith v Williams 2 priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

Metro Radio Arena
0844 493 6666
www.metroradioarena.co.uk
In person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Undefeated Heavyweight talent Mohamed Soltby has been added to the highly-anticipated Smith v Williams 2 Newcastle Metro Radio Arena card on Saturday 11th November.

Soltby (13-0, 8 KOs) will fight over eight rounds in his second contest in the UK after he demolished Hungarian Ferenc Zsalek in one round at the Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester earlier this year.

Trained by the legendary former WBO Lightweight World Champion Artur Grigorian, Soltby is hoping to fire himself into Heavyweight title contention with another explosive performance in Newcastle.

“I see a lot of fighters in the UK who are making waves in the heavyweight division,” said Soltby. “I know I have what it takes to beat them. I would love to fight the winner of Gorman v Webb, and have one eye on Agit Yabayel, who fights has-been Chisora for the European title.

“Adameck, Wach and Helenius are fights I want in 2018 and I can’t wait to show the UK public what I am made of in Newcastle on 11th November. I’m in a hurry to get a belt around my waist and a World ranking, I know I can mix it with the best in the division.”

Main event at the Metro Radio Arena sees former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith rematch with reigning British Champion Liam Williams a WBO World Title Eliminator.

Country Durham’s Thomas Patrick Ward (20-0) will defend his British Super-Bantamweight Championship against Brimingham’s Sean Davis (13-1-0)

Explosive Super-Middleweight Mark Heffron (Oldham, 16-0) another of Ricky Hatton’s excellent young stable of fighters, will also be in action on the card; undefeated Jeff Saunders (11-0) of Sedgefield takes on undefeated Liverpudlian Steven Lewis (14-0)

In addition, local prospects Troy Williamson (Darlington, 3-0) Kalam Leather (Guisborough, 2-0) Joe Maphosa (Thornaby, 1-0) and Michael Watson (Sedgefield, Pro debut) will all appear on the bill.

Tickets for Smith v Williams 2 priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

Metro Radio Arena
0844 493 6666
www.metroradioarena.co.uk
In person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Former WBO Super-Welterweight World Champion Liam Smith and reigning British Champion Liam Williams became embroiled in a war of words at a press conference in Newcastle yesterday ahead of their highly-anticipated rematch at the Metro Radio Arena on Saturday 11th November, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The undercard at the Metro Radio Arena is set to feature some of the very best emerging local North East talent, as well as some other excellent young fighters from further afield.

Country Durham’s Thomas Patrick Ward (20-0) will defend his British Super-Bantamweight Championship against Brimingham’s Sean Davis (13-1-0); whilst Guisborough’s Josh Leather (12-0) will face Sunderland’s Glenn Foot (20-1-0) in a what is set to be a pulsating North East Derby for the IBF European Super-Lightweight Championship.

Ricky Hatton-trained Nathan Gorman (Natwich, 10-0) will face Nick Webb (Chertsey, 11-0) for the English Heavyweight Championship in another showdown where someone’s ‘0’ is set to go. Explosive Super-Middleweight Mark Heffron (Oldham, 16-0) another of Ricky Hatton’s excellent young stable of fighters, will also be in action on the card.

In addition, local prospects Troy Williamson (Darlington, 3-0) Kalam Leather (Guisborough, 2-0) Joe Maphosa (Thornaby, 1-0) Michael Watson (Sedgefield, Pro debut) and Jeff Saunders (11-0) of Sedgefield will all appear on the bill.

Below are quotes from the press conference:

LIAM SMITH:

“I don’t think you had to be good fighter to beat me in the first six rounds of our first fight. I was slow, flat and sluggish. I can never be that bad again. What I did to try and make weight during fight week killed me. It was nothing to do with having a slow start by game plan. Liam had a good start and I couldn’t have been worse. There are ten fighters in Britain that could have probably outboxed me on that night.

“The fight was changing before round 9. He threw his head in numerous times because I didn’t get cut off it. Regardless, you go in the ring you get wet. The minute you got cut you knew your chips were down, you spewed it! You chose to let Gary pull you out. You knew you’d had your moment and you were gone.

“I was up for this rematch and that is why were are here now. As soon as I start better, Liam is going to be more of a fight earlier on and he won’t get his own way. It is only to go one way and he is going to crumble earlier than he did last time. I am stronger than him and I have more heart than him.”

LIAM WILLIAMS:

“Our first meeting was a very good fight. I felt like I started very well and I was outboxing him and getting a lot of rounds in the bag. He was coming on strong which we were always prepared for, that is the kind of fighter Liam is. He comes with a very sold defence and he is very strong,

“Obviously it ended the way it did, it wasn’t fair, we didn’t’t give the fans a chance to see what the proper outcome should have been. I took a nasty cut to the eye, these things happen and it isn’t a tickling contest. These things happen in boxing and I’m glad we get a chance to do it again.

“I think he was down in the fight and he needed to do something. It was frustration and I do believe the head clash was intentional. New time we are both going to be better. I am going to be more prepare and it is going to be another cracking fight, I’m going to put this to bed.”

THOMAS PATRICK WARD:

“It was a great fight with Jazza Dickens and we expected it to be. I’m glad that the BT Sport and BoxNation viewers got to see what I’m about and I’ve got plenty more to show. Everyone wants the Lonsdale Belt and everyone will be coming for me now wanting a piece of it. I’m young, I’m hungry and I want the best fights out there – I’m here to stay.

“Sean Davis is a strong fighter and he will be coming for the belt. If we have to go to war we go to war, if I have to box I’ll box. As you will have seen I’m more of a natural boxer but I am prepared to go through whatever it takes to keep that Lonsdale Belt and win on the night.”

JOSH LEATHER:

“I can’t wait to fight Glenn Foot. It is going to be a massive local derby up here in the North East and the tickets are already flying out for it. I will be wearing that belt around my waist on November 11th, there is no doubt in my mind.

“I’m more nervous for Kalam than I am for my own fight! We always sparred each other in the living room when we were boys, we used to hide the gloves from our Mum! Like Kalam said, it has always been our dream to win titles in the professional ranks. Hopefully one day I will top a bill up here in the North East.”

NATHAN GORMAN:

“Between me and Nick Webb it is going to be a good fight. He is 11-0 with 9 knockouts. He is a big man, at the end of the day what Heavyweight can’t punch? You can’t blink in this fight. I’ve been training for the fight for four weeks already, I’m training harder than ever.

“I can’t wait to get on the big platform, I have got my chance to prove what I can do on the big stage and I can do that now I have signed with Frank Warren. Ricky Hatton is one of the lads. The knowledge I get off him is second to none. Every day is a laugh with Ricky, it makes the training seems easier, we train incredibly hard don’t get me wrong!”

KALAM LEATHER:

“The atmosphere is brilliant in our gym, we all push each other on to be the best that we can be. It has always been mine and Josh’s dream to make a success of it in the professional ranks. I can’t wait to fight on another exciting card with Josh and Joe, it is great that Frank has brought a fantastic show up to the North East.”

JOE MAPHOSA:

“Obviously at my weight class we get moved a lot quicker. I think I will be fighting for my first pro title by my fifth fight. With my background and experience from the amateurs I will be ready for a title shot by my fifth fight 100%.

“I have boxed some of the best guys around the World in the amateurs including the Cubans. That has set me in good stead for my professional career. I really enjoyed my pro debut in Leeds and I can’t wait to perform on another big arena show.”

JEEF SAUNDERS:

“It is what it is. I just like getting in the ring and inflicting as much pain on my opponent as possible. My head is screwed on properly and I’m back in full time training after having some time out. I’m looking forward to returning to the Metro Radio Arena, it is where I made my pro debut. I’m looking forward to getting out again on my home turf.”

Tickets for Smith v Williams 2 priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

Metro Radio Arena
0844 493 6666
www.metroradioarena.co.uk
In person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

Tickets are now on sale for the highly-anticipated rematch between bitter Super-Welterweight rivals Liam Smith and Liam Williams at the Metro Arena Newcastle on Saturday 28th October.

After their epic first encounter ended in controversial fashion, former WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Smith and reigning British Super-Welterweight Champion Williams, will aim to settle the score on neutral ground in a WBO World Title Eliminator.

An action-packed undercard is set to feature some of the very best emerging local North East talent, as well as some other excellent young fighters from further afield.

Country Durham’s Thomas Patrick Ward (20-0) will defend his British Super-Bantamweight Championship against Brimingham’s Sean Davis (13-1-0); whilst Guisborough’s Josh Leather (12-0) will face Sunderland’s Glen Foot (20-1-0) in a what is set to be a pulsating North East Derby for the IBF European Super-Lightweight Championship.

In addition, local prospects Troy Williamson (Darlington, 3-0) Kalam Leather (Guisborough, 2-0) Joe Maphosa (Thornaby, 1-0) Michael Watson (Sedgefield, Pro debut) and Jeff Saunders (11-0) of Sedgefield will all appear on the bill.

Tickets priced at £40, £50, £70, £100, £150 and £250 are available from:

Metro Radio Arena
0844 493 6666
www.metroradioarena.co.uk
In person from the Metro Radio Arena Box Office

Eventim
0844 249 1000
www.eventim.co.uk

After their epic first encounter ended in controversial fashion, former WBO World Super Welterweight Champion Liam Smith and reigning British Super Welterweight Champion Liam Williams, will aim to settle the score on neutral ground at Newcastle’s Metro Arena, in a WBO World Title Eliminator on Saturday 28th October, simulcast live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The fight lands in Newcastle after neither man was willing to concede home advantage after their thrilling first encounter back in April; a fight in which both men felt they claimed the upper hand.

On the night, Liverpool man Smith claimed the win after Williams’ trainer Gary Lockett deemed that the Welshman could not continue after being badly cut by a clash of heads. However Williams felt he had built up a large lead at the point the fight was stopped and tempers have flared ever since about the controversial circumstances of the fight’s ending, with Smith instead believing that the cut prevented him from seizing an inevitable late stoppage in the fight.

Promoter Frank Warren said ‘I’m delighted to bring this huge rematch to Newcastle which is a city with a rich tradition of big fight nights. In the past I have bought shows with Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe, Nigel Benn and Prince Nasseem Hamed to Newcastle and I’m sure this is set to rival the very best that we’ve done there.

This fight has been highly anticipated since the first encounter, in which the fans and fighters were robbed of a conclusive ending by the clash of heads. The first was a barnstormer up to that point and I’m sure the rematch will be even better. The fight will serve as a WBO Super Welterweight World Title Eliminator, in which the winner is set to get a shot against the winner of the forthcoming Cotto v Kamegai match, which is contesting the vacant belt. This huge incentive, along with the added spice of domestic bragging rights, means a lot is riding on this fight for both men.’

The undercard at Metro Arena is set to feature some of the very best emerging local North East talent, as well as some other excellent young fighters from further afield.

Country Durham’s Thomas Patrick Ward (20-0) will defend his British Super Bantamweight Championship against Brimingham’s Sean Davis (13-1-0); whilst Guisborough’s Josh Leather (12-0) will face Sunderland’s Glen Foot (20-1-0) in a what is set to be a pulsating North East Derby for the IBF European Super Lightweight Championship.

Ricky Hatton trained Nathan Gorman (Natwich, 10-0) will face Nick Webb (Chertsey, 11-0) for the English Heavyweight Championship in another showdown where someone’s ‘0’ is set to go. Mark Heffron (Oldham, 16-0) another of Ricky Hatton’s excellent young stable of fighters, will also be in action on the card.

In addition, local prospects Troy Williamson (Darlington, 3-0) Kalam Leather (Guisborough, 2-0) Joe Maphosa (Thornaby, 1-0) Michael Watson (Sedgefield, Pro debut) and Jeff Saunders (11-0) of Sedgefield will all appear on the bill.

A press conference and ticket information will follow within the next fortnight.

The mouth-watering showdown between former WBO Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith and the undefeated British and WBO European Champion Liam Williams will go ahead tomorrow evening at the Manchester Arena, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Liverpool’s Smith narrowly missed the Championship Weight and therefore the WBO Interim title will only be on the line for Williams.

Should Smith win the contest, the title will remain vacant.

The unbeaten Welshman Williams weighed-in at 10st 12lbs 8oz and will become the WBO Interim Super-Welterweight World Champion if he beats Smith in what is sure to be a Fight of the Year contender.

Smith vs. Williams is part of an unmissable evening of action on April 8th; local hero Terry Flanagan makes the fifth defence of his WBO World Lightweight crown against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov; double Olympic Gold Medallist and women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE fights for the first time as a professional and former Team GB Heavyweight standout Daniel Dubois makes his highly-anticipated professional debut.

Tickets priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.

LONDON (7 April) – Double Olympic champion Nicola Adams is out to emulate her hero Muhammad Ali when she makes her debut this Saturday night.

The British star enters the professional ranks as part of a stacked card live on BoxNation headlined by world champion Terry Flanagan defending his lightweight world title against Petr Petrov, plus a thrilling clash between Liam Smith and the undefeated Liam Williams.

34-year-old Adams has already taken a leaf out of Ali’s book by breaking down barriers, in her case around women’s boxing, and she is keen to follow the cultural icon by going from an Olympic champion to a world champion.

“To become a world champion would mean everything to me. My hero is Muhammad Ali and he went from being an Olympic champion to a world champion as a professional and that’s exactly what I want to do as well,” said Adams.

“I’m hoping to become a world champion next year. I’m coming for every title. If I stay in the flyweight division I’ll be going for Ava Knight, she’s got all the titles at the moment, so she’s the one I’m aiming for,” she said.

Adams has always been very driven and clear in her ambitions.

As an amateur she won countless accolades and in 2012 became the first ever women’s Olympic champion when she won flyweight gold.

There were calls for her to turn professional right after London 2012 but she was determined to win even more and set new records that had never been achieved before.

“After 2012 I said I wanted to become a Commonwealth Games champion and then win a World Championship and complete the full set of titles,” Adams said.

“We’ve never had anyone do that in amateur boxing – male or female – and I wanted to be able to achieve that, as well as becoming a double Olympic champion by winning again in 2016.

“After achieving my goals in amateur boxing I want to make some new ones and become a world champion as a professional,” she said.

An impressive win this weekend against Argentina’s Virginia Noemi Carcamo will set her well on the way to attaining that goal as she looks to steal the show on a fantastic night of boxing.

BoxNation will broadcast the brilliant bill from the Manchester Arena from 5.30pm, with the full undercard action exclusively live as part of the brand new ‘Premium Pass’.

Attention will then switch to the main events at 8.30pm which will be topped by Flanagan’s defence of his WBO crown against the rugged Russian Petrov.

He hopes to look good in his outing before trying to unify the 135-pound division later this year.

The standout fight on the card, however, which is set to produce fireworks, is the impending battle between former super-welterweight world champion Smith and Welshman Williams.

The clash is for the interim WBO World super-welterweight title, with the winner eyeing the chance of world title glory.

28-year-old Smith carries the experience and has fought some leading names including Canelo Alvarez but Williams is forming a reputation as a big puncher having stopped 11 of his opponents in his 16 wins.

As the younger man at 24-years-old Williams will be looking to grab his opportunity against Smith and emerge as one of Britain’s finest talents.

Also set to feature on the card is another debutant in 19-year-old heavyweight sensation ‘Dangerous’ Daniel Dubois who will be aiming to devastate his opponent Marcus Kelly.

From Manchester, BoxNation will then move Stateside when one of the world’s elite fighters Vasyl Lomachenko defends his WBO super-featherweight world title against the tough 29-year-old Jason Sosa.

Pound-for-pound star Lomachenko knows Sosa will be looking to cause the upset and has also humbly dismissed claims made by many that he is the best fighter on the planet.

“Jason Sosa is very strong, is motivated, wants to win and he can fight all of the twelve rounds. It will be a hard fight. That I know,” said Lomachenko.

“My top three pound for pound list is; GGG, Sergey Kovalev and Terence Crawford. I don’t want to be number one until I deserve it. That means fighting and winning against two or three world champions. After that I may be number one but for sure not now,” he said.

Top unbeaten cruiserweight Oleksandr Usyk is also on the card and faces a tough test against the undefeated American Michael Hunter.

New BoxNation subscribers on the Sky platform will also be able to join the channel without a registration fee (normally £8) until Saturday midnight by entering promo code FREEBOXING.

Not only will subscribers be able to enjoy this weekend’s marathon night of live boxing but the first month will also include the scintillating showdown between Mexican rivals Canelo and Julio Cesar Chavez on May 6th from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

BoxNation is available on Sky/Freeview/Virgin/TalkTalk/EE/Apple TV/ online at watch.boxnation.com and via apps (iOS, Android, Amazon) for just £12 a month. Buy now at boxnation.com.

The World Boxing Organisation today sanctioned the bout between Liverpool’s Liam Smith and Clydach Vale’s Liam Williams for the WBO Interim Super-Welterweight World Title.

Smith and Williams’ mouth-watering showdown will take place at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 8th April, broadcast live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

“I’m delighted that Frank has delivered this opportunity” said Smith. “I’d like to thank my management team and the WBO President Francisco ‘Paco’ Varcarcel for keeping faith in me. I said I would be a World Champion again in 2017 and this is my opportunity.

“The winner of this is a World Champion in waiting. I don’t think Canelo has any intention of defending the 154lbs World Title. This is a win-win situation for me. If I beat Liam Williams I’ll be in an unbelievable position again.

“If Canelo decides to defend his belt I think I could do a million times better against him in a rematch. It was well publicised that I had the worst training camp of my career heading into that fight.

“He’s a World class fighter and I want to test myself against elite fighters. If not, there are huge fights against the likes of Miguel Cotto out there for me. First and foremost I have to beat Liam Williams on April 8th.”

“This is a massive opportunity for me,” said Williams. “It is a huge fight and a brilliant chance for me to propel my name to the top of the sport. This is going to be a proper fight and I’m delighted that Frank keeps on delivering these opportunities for me.”

“There are some huge fights out there for me if I deliver on April 8th. I was already massively motivated for the Smith fight but this has given me another big boost. I’ve been working towards an opportunity like this all of my career and I’ll be bringing that belt back to Wales with me.

Promoter Frank Warren said: “I am delighted to have delivered this opportunity for these two outstanding fighters. This fight has all the ingredients to be a fight the year contender and now, with the added prize of the interim belt, there is more than just pride on the line for both.

“It is well documented that Canelo has plans to step up in weight and that could well see the winner of this becoming a recognised World Champion. It’s a great all-domestic clash that I don’t think will go the distance – they are going to come out swinging and it will be exciting while it lasts.”

WATCH THE EPIC SMITH – WILLIAMS PROMO HERE

Smith vs. Williams is part of an unmissable evening of action on April 8th; local hero Terry Flanagan makes the fifth defence of his WBO World Lightweight crown against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov; double Olympic Gold Medallist and women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE fights for the first time as a professional and former Team GB Heavyweight standout Daniel Dubois makes his highly-anticipated professional debut.

Tickets for April 8 priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.

Lauded Welsh trainer Gary Lockett says undefeated British Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Williams is a better boxer and harder puncher than Liverpool’s Liam Smith. The fierce Anglo-Welsh rivals clash in a mouth-watering matchup at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 8th April, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Lockett, himself a former World Middleweight title challenger, believes the momentum is with his man. Williams enjoyed successful 2016, defending his Lonsdale belt for the first time at the Cardiff Ice Arena in July and winning the WBO European strap in front of noisy home fans at the Motorpoint Arena in November.

‘The Machine’, touted by many as Welsh boxing’s next megastar, possesses brutal punching power in both hands, but Lockett believes it is his technical ability and boxing brain that will win him next month’s showdown.

“I’m in the gym with Liam Williams every day and, trust me, his biggest attribute is his technical ability, not his strength and power,” said Lockett. “This is what will surprise people in this fight. The kid won six British (junior) titles in the amateurs. He knows how to box.

“Once Liam (Williams) started to find his power a few years back, as he matured physically, he became overly reliant on it. The (Gary) Corcoran British title defence brought a lot of pre-fight hype but we always sensed it was unlikely to be competitive and that reflected in the sloppy way in which Liam boxed. He’ll need to use his brain a lot more if he’s to topple Liam Smith.

“I honestly believe that Liam Williams’ all round ability is higher than Liam Smith’s. That’s what my confidence is based on. Smith has an edge in body punching, shot selection and experience but Williams is a better boxer, has superior footwork and is the harder puncher. That’s what will prove decisive, I believe.”

Smith vs. Williams is part of an unmissable evening of action on April 8th; local hero Terry Flanagan makes the fifth defence of his WBO World Lightweight crown against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov; double Olympic Gold Medallist and women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE fights for the first time as a professional and former Team GB Heavyweight standout Daniel Dubois makes his highly-anticipated professional debut.

Tickets for April 8 priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.

2015 Ring Magazine Trainer of the Year Joe Gallagher says Gary Lockett would rather be in Liam Smith’s corner if his mouth-watering showdown with undefeated British Champion Liam Williams descends into a war.

Former WBO Super-Welterweight Champion Smith and rising Welsh star Williams clash in one of the most eagerly-anticipated domestic dustups in recent times at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 8th April, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Liverpool’s Smith might have conceded his World Title strap and unbeaten tag to Mexican megastar ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in Texas last September, but his coach insists that ‘Beefy’ is still frothing to re-assert his domestic dominance at 154lbs.

“Gary was a good fighter as an amateur and a good fighter as a pro,” said Gallagher. “He’s a great young coach and is hungry for success. He is willing to learn and wanting to learn. I don’t see it as a rivalry between us.

“If they think they are going to be able to beat Liam Smith and become a Canelo Alvarez overnight – that isn’t going to happen. If they think Liam Smith is damaged goods and is unmotivated after a big pay day – they couldn’t be more wrong.

“We’ve got two fighters. I’m sure he’s very confident in Liam Williams – I’m very confident in Liam Smith. But I know deep down if we’re going into a war, Lockett would rather be in Smith’s corner than Williams’.”

Smith vs. Williams is part of an unmissable evening of action on April 8th; local hero Terry Flanagan makes the fifth defence of his WBO World Lightweight crown against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov; double Olympic Gold Medallist and women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE fights for the first time as a professional and former Team GB Heavyweight monster Daniel Dubois makes his highly-anticipated professional debut.

Tickets for April 8 priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.

Former WBO Super-Welterweight boss Liam Smith says his mouth-watering matchup with undefeated British Champion Liam Williams is far from a 50-50 fight. Smith and Williams lock horns at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 8th April, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

The bookmakers are struggling to split the pair. Most bookies price ‘Beefy’ as the 5/6 favourite, with Williams only marginally longer at even-money. The shortest odds available on Smith are 8/11, with 11/10 on offer for a Williams win, a price that will surely tempt plenty of the Clydach Vale faithful.

Scouse warrior Smith is determined to prove his doubters wrong.

“A lot of people are going to look silly when this fight is over,” said Smith. “I’m confident on my behalf that this is not a 50-50 fight.

“I’m doing everything that I have always done – I haven’t changed a thing. Liam and his team have changed everything. Everything they are doing is new to them, don’t be surprised if they leave it all in the gym.

“I think they are panicking because they know they are in a fight. They are trying to cover everything. I saw he was doing 18 rounds over two days around six or seven weeks out from the fight. That isn’t what Liam and Gary Lockett are usually like.

“After the fight everyone will see why I should have been the clear favourite. Believe me, I’m going to beat Liam Williams.”

Smith vs. Williams is part of an unmissable evening of action on April 8th; local hero Terry Flanagan makes the fifth defence of his WBO World Lightweight crown against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov; double Olympic Gold Medallist and women’s boxing icon Nicola Adams OBE fights for the first time as a professional and former Team GB Heavyweight monster Daniel Dubois makes his highly-anticipated professional debut.

Tickets for April 8 priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.