Smith vs Williams – Who wins?
The chosen fight to kick off Hall of Fame promoter Frank Warren’s landmark BT Sport TV deal could not have been better picked.
Smith (24-1-1 13KOs) v Williams (16-0-1 11KOs) is a 50-50 match-up that will have fight fans guessing right up until the first punch is thrown.
On the line is the interim WBO World super-welterweight title which provides a step up for the Welshman but a comedown for the Liverpudlian, having previously held the WBO World title between 2015-2016, which he lost on his third defence against Mexican superstar Canelo last September.
Williams is on form right now, his last eight fights have all finished early, half of those stoppages coming within the first three rounds.
He may have the edge in power but hasn’t yet performed on the world stage so Beefy will the authority in experience here.
BBN asked their panel of experts to try and pick a winner…
Mark Neilson Boxing Promoter
“This has fight of the year written all over it. Even though the bookies have this as evens, I edge toward Williams as the better boxer and having the heavier hands.
Additionally, you don’t know how Smith’s little four-rounder in Spain a couple of weeks ago will affect him.
The definite winner will be the fight fan, for sure.”
Anto UptonFormer English champion
"I think it's going to end up as fight of the year!
Two great fighters but, for some reason, I'm just edging towards Liam Williams; I have no idea why, just a gut feeling.
I'm deffo going to be glued to the telly watching this one – expect fireworks!"
Darrel ChurchLight-heavyweight prospect
“I like the Smith family, I admire everything they have achieved together, so I’m going to say Liam Smith to win on points.”
Mickey EllisonUnbeaten light-heavyweight
"I think Smith's just gonna edge it on the night and get the win. I think he's had the bigger fights and the experience will show on the night, but could go either way."
Steve WoodVIP Promotions
“Great 50/50 which I am looking forward to – Smith has been a World champion but opponents were not World level apart from Canelo, who beat him easy, so I’m not looking into that.
Both strong, decent punchers and tough. Just give the edge to Smith on cuteness, so if had to pick one, I would go with Smith.”
Lewis CalvertBig Write Hook
“I fully expect Liam Smith to dominate Liam Williams and show a clear gulf in class between the two fighters when they meet on April 8.
Just as Smith destroyed Jimmy Kelly so effortlessly when the latter took a shot at a world title back in 2015, I see this fight going exactly the same way.
It is most certainly a step down for Smith, having mixed it on the biggest stage of all when facing Saul Canelo Alvarez and holding his own. It was only through lack of sparring due to a cut prior to the fight that Smith wasn’t his usual sharp self. There will be no chance of that this time around.
However, I doubt there will be the same fear factor Smith had when going into that fight as he does this. The Scouser recognises he is classes above Williams and so must guard against complacency.
I believe the Liverpudlian will be extremely focused on becoming the face of boxing on BT Sport which is unfortunate news for the Welshman, who despite a good set of skills is not quite at world level yet.
I see Williams being very defensive in the early rounds, but eventually being stopped.”
Paul Hilz International Challenge belt champion
"I think Smith has had the bigger fights, as such, but I think this will be a massive test for him, Williams believes in himself massively and is a strong fighter.
I believe Williams could pull the win off!"
Bart Ski Debutant under JE Promotions
"For me, in this fight, it can only be the better, older boy Liam "Beefy" Smith.
He has had more fights and has more experience. "Beefy" has just one loss and I think he can take more from that loss, he would have changed something, but just him will know that change.
Liam Williams "The Machine" could be better in this fight as well, because he maybe has more power and he hasn't lost yet.
For me, experience wins this fight – Liam "Beefy" Smith.
Ben DayFormer Southern Area champion
"I don't know as much about Liam Williams but my close friend Ross MacLeod said that he is mustard and believes in a stoppage in the later rounds, but I think Liam Smith has much more experience and belief after fighting a big name in Canelo."
Tim RicksonTR Sports Agency
“It’s 50-50, which will make for a great fight! Cracking match-up by Frank Warren to kick off the BT Sport deal.
My heart says Liam Williams but my head says Liam Smith.
Williams is talented, heavy-handed and riding the crest of a wave right now but Smith is experienced at a higher level, stubborn as a mule and won’t give away any ground in the fight.
I think Smith wins on points.”
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