By Owen Morgan
Two of the biggest names in British boxing are backing Liam Williams to join the list of Welsh world champions on Saturday.
Joe Calzaghe – who held a world title longer than any other Welsh fighter – says Williams has got what it takes to follow in his footsteps and rule the boxing world.
Meanwhile, legendary fight promoter and manager Frank Warren also believes the Welshman can claim the WBO middleweight crown against undefeated champion Demetrius Andrade at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Calzaghe, who retired undefeated after reigning as world champion for more than a decade, said: “I would be thrilled to see Liam become world champion.
“He’s earned his spot at the table and now he just has to go out there and deliver. Everyone in Wales is behind him.”
The Newbridge man, who held world titles at two different weights added: “It’s not going to be an easy night, but he’ll know that.
“Demetrius is a slippery customer with bags of skill, but I think Liam needs to get in there, get close to him, unsettle him, make him work and not give him one second’s rest.
“If he does that, I think he could take the belt on points and even force a late stoppage. It’ll be a hard night’s work, but he’s got the tools to get it done and I’d love to see him bring the belt back to Wales.”
Williams, who is trained in Sheffield by Dominic Ingle, is part of the Queensberry Promotions stable.
He earned his title shot on the back of seven straight victories, but he will still be a big underdog against Andrade who has 29 wins from 29 fights.
But Queensberry CEO Warren also believes his man can triumph in America against the champion who is the odds-on favourite with the bookies.
“Andrade is a slick and skilful operator, no doubt about that, but you would have to say there is nobody on his record I wouldn’t strongly fancy Liam to beat,” said Warren.
“Since pairing up with Dominic Ingle, Liam has come on leaps and bounds and added so much to his game. He is much, much more than a crash, bang, wallop merchant.
“The way he executes his footwork and distance is second to very few and, indeed, he carries enormous power in both hands.
“This is his big opportunity to follow in the footsteps of countrymen such as Howard Winstone, Steve Robinson, Barry Jones, Joe Calzaghe and Enzo Maccarinelli and punch himself into Welsh boxing folklore.
“I am convinced he has got what it takes to part Andrade from his belt and open all sorts of doors to massive fights in the future.
“Good luck Liam, we look forward to welcoming you home as a world middleweight champion.”
Williams (23-2-1, 18 KOs) believes he won’t have to depend on luck when he faces the Rhode Island boxer who is making his fourth defence of his world title at 160lbs following a reign at super-middleweight.
The Clydach Vale man said: “I don’t think he has the same intensity as me. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I can punch harder than him. I have a better engine than him. I’m going to bring it all on the night and I don’t think he has the answers.
“He’s a clown. I don’t think he’s wired up right, he’s got a screw loose. His mannerisms, the way he acts and talks on his interviews, he’s just a little bit strange and I can’t put my finger on it. He’s an oddball.”
The man known as The Machine added: “It’s a risky fight for both of us. He’s the champion and I’m the number one contender.
“If he loses, the belt goes and that’s his status gone. But it’s the same for me. I’m back to the bottom of the pile.
Great video from @CRMedia_Video for@@Liamwilliamsko upcoming fight against “Boo Boo” Andrade https://t.co/naO0kw6Pg8
— Dominic Ingle (@dominicingle) April 14, 2021
“There’s a lot at stake and neither of us will take a backwards step and that’s what will make it a great fight.
“The outcome is me winning, whether that’s over the distance or inside the distance, it doesn’t matter to me.
“As long as I take that belt back to Britain, I have no doubt about it, I’m super confident and I don’t think there’s any way that he beats me. I think I can knock him out.
“I’ve had setbacks, I’ve had injuries, I’ve been told to retire, so getting my opportunity is a real achievement, but in saying that, this is the beginning of things for me with more massive step-ups and I’m not willing to stop here.”
The undercard fights are scheduled to start at around 8pm UK time. The fight will be shown live on the DAZN sports streaming service with commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Extra from 11pm.