Wales’ Liam Williams Aiming To Silence Hamzah Sheeraz

By David Parsons

Wales’ former middleweight world title challenger Liam Williams is keen to make up for lost time in London on Saturday night.

The Clydach Vale fighter faces rising star Hamzah Sheeraz at the Copper Box Arena, with the clock ticking.

At 31 and with four career losses, Willians cano not afford to many more setbacks if he is to realise his world title ambitions and is already two months behind schedule for this fight.

The former British and Commonwealth champion was due to face Sheeraz last December before his rival pulled out with a perforated eardrum, forcing the fight to be postponed by two-months.

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Williams was accused of being a “dirty fighter” by Chris Eubank Jr in the build-up to his unanimous decision defeat to the Brighton boxer in 2022.

The Welshman has since bounced back, picking up two victories over the relatively unknown Nizar Trimech and Florin Cardos.

“It’s an exciting fight, I’m really looking forward to it,” said Williams.

“It’s been a long time coming, being back in one of these big fights which everyone is excited and really interested to see.

“I believe I should have been back here sooner but these things happen. It’s not always straight forward, I’m just really happy and glad to be back on the big stage.”

“The pressure is on him, I’ve been there before, I’ve been in big fights before. People can say what they want, I know what I’ve got left in the tank.

“I’ve had a couple of ups and downs but it’s all part of the process. I think I’m going to stop the guy, 100 percent. I fully plan to make a statement and take him out. I’m not taking any prisoners.”

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Sheeraz says the fight is a “must win” for both as he looks to avoid a slip-up on Saturday.

The 18-0-0 Sheeraz, who celebrated a second-round stoppage over Ukrainian Dmytro Mytrofanov in August, is looking to continue his impressive run against experienced Williams.

The Slough fighter insists he must get the job done at the Copper Box Arena if he is to continue his world title bid.

“It’s a must win for both of us,” Sheeraz said.

“I can’t afford to slip up. The sacrifices I’ve made are more than an average fighter would make. It would be disrespectful to my team if I slip up.

“My aspirations and plans are too big to be losing. It all comes down to how I can display my work in camp on fight night.

“I’ve done that for 18 fights and hopefully 19 will be on the way.

“This can give me endless opportunities. I can fight for a world title, I can fight for a British title, face the likes of Chris Eubank Jr.

“Once you get through a fight like this in flying colours then the doors are open.”

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Sheeraz talked up his upcoming opponent’s attributes and believes he needs to stay disciplined.

“He’s experienced and he’s fought for world titles,” Sheeraz added.

“He’s tough, he’s rugged, he’s someone who has almost won world titles and he’s proven.

He’s going to be confident for sure.

“I need to stay disciplined and not get involved emotionally. Once you get involved emotionally then you’re playing into your opponent’s hands.”

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Sheeraz has eyed a potential bout in Saudi Arabia in 2024, insisting now is the best time to be a boxer.

He said: “I want a good performance on February 10 and then I want a fight out in Saudi and to become well known out there.

“It’s probably the best time to be involved in boxing. Especially with the money in it, the promoters working together, the platform, it’s all at its peak.”

Highly respected online boxing expert Dwyer backs Hamzah Sheeraz in a fight against Canelo Alvarez and likens the fight to Tommy Hearns vs Roberto Duran.

Sheeraz must first get last Liam Williams on Saturday night live on TNT Sports to help build on Dwyer’s compelling and… pic.twitter.com/jNVhaLFWya

— Dev Sahni (@devsahni) February 4, 2024