Liam Smith: “This is not a 50-50 fight!”

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.

TURBO BACKS SMITH TO OUTPOINT WILLIAMS

Unbeaten WBO Lightweight Champion of the World Terry Flanagan is backing Liverpool’s Liam Smith to outpoint bitter rival Liam Williams when they clash at the Manchester Arena on Saturday 8th April, live on BT Sport and BoxNation.

Flanagan makes the fifth defence of his crown against chiselled Russian Petr Petrov and is promising no slip-ups against the WBO no.2 ranked contender. The Manchester star admits he will be keeping an eye on Smith and William’s mouthwatering showdown before taking to the ring himself.

“It’s gonna be a great fight to get ‘em warmed up for my main event!” said Flanagan.”Liam Smith is a slight favourite going into the fight.

“His shot selection is probably the best of any boxer in Britain. He’s very good at everything he does. ‘Canelo’ just happened to be another level above him. Alvarez is pound-for-pound, ain’t he?

“Williams is tough, strong and can bang you out with either hand but if you’re forcing me to put a pound on it, I’ll go with Smith on points.”

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.