On Saturday night, in Newcastle, Liam Smith and Liam Williams went head-to-head, for a second time, with the winner getting a crack at the WBO super-welterweight world title.
The first fight between the two had ended in controversy with Williams corner pulling their man out, at the end of the tenth round, after he?d sustained a nasty cut to his head, from what they claimed was a deliberate head-butt by Smith.
Last night, there wasn?t as much controversy when it came to the result being announced, although Williams thought he?d been hard done by.
After twelve rounds the judge?s scored the fight as thus:
? 116 ? 112 (in favour of Smith)
? 114 ? 114 (a draw)
? 117 ? 111 (in favour of Smith)
As for the action, it was Williams that set the early pace with Smith content to box off the back-foot. Williams was having success with his combinations and was the busier fighter. However, as the fight progressed, Smith started to impose himself more using his jab with great success.
But Williams made a strong comeback landing some heavy blows in the tenth round.
Talking about the verdict, Smith had this to say,
‘I thought Liam Williams would tire, but it didn’t go like that.
?He was a very static target and didn’t land enough to win rounds. I thought my jab dominated. I took over in rounds 11 and 12 and took over again. I thought a draw would have been generous to him.’
As for Smith?s world title aspirations, the win makes him the mandatory challenger to fight for the WBO belt currently held by Miguel Cotto, who is set to retire next month after facing Sadam Ali.
As for the result and Williams? displeasure, he may have a point, it was a lot closer than the 117 ? 111 verdict given by one judge.
Smith Beats Williams on Points
