Liam Smith sets up world title shot after majority decision victory over Liam Williams

Liverpudlian could now face Miguel Cotto for the WBO light-middleweight championship in 2018

Sunday 12 November 2017 10:56 GMT
Comments
Liam Smith beat Liam Williams by majority decision
Liam Smith beat Liam Williams by majority decision (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Liam Smith defeated Liam Williams for a second time in just over seven months after a majority decision win in their WBO world title eliminator at Newcastle's Metro Arena.

Former WBO light-middleweight champion Smith failed to make weight in their first bout earlier this year, but came away victorious after Williams was withdrawn at the end of the ninth round when a headbutt from the Liverpudlian, that was ruled an accidental clash of heads, opened a deep cut by his right eye.

Both fighters traded authority throughout the rematch, with the fifth round sparking some controversy as Smith landed a hook to the body of the Welshman when his opponent was in-between the ropes, while Williams caught Smith after the bell in the same round - with both men going unpunished.

An accidental clash of heads from Williams in the seventh round did not cause the damage it did in the first bout as both men pushed for an opening before the 25-year-old caught Smith with a flurry in the 10th.

Smith and Williams met for the second time this year
Smith and Williams met for the second time this year (Getty)

The 29-year-old hit back with a stinging combination in the next to set up a grandstand finish, but neither fighter could land the knockout blow as the first judge called a 114-114 draw before the other two scored 116-112 and 117-111 in favour of Smith.

Victory for the Liverpudlian could set up a title shot with Miguel Cotto in 2018, while Williams has to bounce back from the second defeat of his career.

PA

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in