WELSH ACE LIAM WILLIAMS READY FOR BIG RETURN AGAINST CARLSAW

Welsh super-welterweight wonder Liam Williams returns from a year in the wilderness next month anxious to renew his rivalry with current WBO World Champion Liam Smith.

The 23 year old from Clydach Vale in the Rhondda Valley loomed as mandatory challenger when Scouser Smith reigned on the domestic throne earlier this year but hand injuries have prevented a salivating British and Commonwealth unifier from coming to fruition.

Suitably mended, the Gary Lockett trained box-fighter intends reminding Smith that he’s chasing his tail when the pair go head-to-head on Frank Warren’s mammoth ‘X-Mas Cracker’ bill at Manchester Arena on December 19th.

‘If a world title shot with Liam Smith was offered to me, I’d take it tomorrow,’ says Williams who hopes to add the vacant British title to his Commonwealth strap when he confronts Paisley’s Kris Carslaw.

‘Liam’s a very classy fighter, I’ve a lot of respect for him and his team but I believe I’m just as good, if not better.

‘I was pretty impressed with the way he FINISHED his world title fight with John Thompson in October but there’s things I saw earlier in the fight that give me confidence that I can open him up.’

‘Beefy’ is a fight I look forward to and believe I will win but I’m in boxing for one reason and that’s to make as much money as I can. As long as I don’t have to wait too long, I’m happy to let it stew while interest builds …..but not for too long!’

Unbeaten in 13 (one technical draw) since entering the pros, aged just 18 back in November 2011, the former six times British junior champion’s Commonwealth coronation came courtesy of a sizzling 168 second demolition of ex ABA champion Michael Lomax in November 2014.

Liam says: ‘To be honest, I expected a far more competitive fight. I let Lomax lead off but he had nothing on his punches so I just went for it.

‘I was on a really good run in 2014, so it’s been very frustrating to have been out since. I’ve had two operations on my right hand – one in December, one in August – and now I’m ready to get back into action again, I can’t wait.”

Besides, the 5ft10 ex-roofer hasn’t been profligating.

‘In the year away, I’ve matured in strength and confidence,’ he insists.

‘There was a stage when I thought I may never fight again so the time out has made me appreciate the sport more and now I’m really enjoying my training.’

The mobile, well schooled ex Team GB squad member dives straight back into the line of fire against Scottish hard case Carslaw who, despite sharing canvas with the likes of Matty Hall, Brian Rose and current continental middleweight king Michel Soro, has never been stopped in an eight year, 27 fight pro career.

‘I think a lot of people underestimate Kris but I certainly aren’t. I’ve been working my ass off every day for three or four months now. I’ve my first baby due on February 10th so that gives me real motivation. It will be great to relax and enjoy myself over Christmas with the British title as a present,” says Williams.

‘Carslaw’s very tough and durable and I’d be surprised if he’s not around for the full 12 rounds. He’s very awkward, very dangerous with his head I hear so I’ll be looking at controlled aggression, keeping my work clean, rather than chasing a knockout.

‘But I expect to win convincingly. I’ve youth on my side plus I’m faster, punch harder and move better. I’m superior in every department. I expect to be challenging Liam Smith inside the next 12 months.’

Frank Warren’s end of year title extravaganza ‘X-Mas Cracker’ is headlined by two massive world title showdowns with WBO World Middleweight Champion Andy Lee defending his title against Billy Joe Saunders and WBO World Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Smith making his first title defence against Jimmy Kelly. A staggering SIX further titles are on the line with Mitchell Smith defending his WBO Intercontinental Super-Featherweight title against George Jupp; Paul Butler challenges for the Vacant WBO European Super-Flyweight Championship against Silvio Olteanu; Tommy Langford defends his WBO Intercontinental Middleweight Championship; Commonwealth Super-Welterweight Champion Liam Williams and Kris Carslaw clash with the Vacant British title also on the line; Jack Catterall defends his WBO Intercontinental Super-Lightweight Championship, and Adrian Gonzalez defends his WBO Intercontinental Lightweight Championship. The undercard features Merseyside favourite Derry Mathews in an eight-round contest ahead of his WBO World Lightweight title challenge against Terry Flanagan in February, Indian superstar Vijender Singh and top Manchester prospects Jack Flattley and Dale Coyne.

Tickets are priced at £40, £50, £75, £100, £200 and £300 are available from:

www.frankwarren.com

TicketMaster

0844 844 0444

www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Eventim

0844 249 1000

www.eventim.co.uk

Manchester Arena

0161 950 5000

0161 950 5229 (disabled access bookings)

www.manchester-arena.co.uk

*Tickets are subject to a booking fee.

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