The fight is set to be the biggest domestic dust-up of 2022 so far
WELSH fan favourite Liam Williams faces off against fierce rival Chris Eubank Jr. at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff tomorrow.
Not since Anthony Joshua v Joseph Parker in March 2018 has a fight of this magnitude been held in the Welsh capital.
In fact, as Dewi Powell of Boxing-Wales.com highlights, you would have to go back even further to find a fight involving a Welshman that carries the same weight.
He said: “There are few better fights for the post-Omicron return of British boxing than Liam Williams v Chris Eubank Jr and it’s arguably the biggest occasion for Welsh boxing since Nathan Cleverly last defended his world title in 2013.”
Fans have also been treated to one of the most exciting build-ups to a fight in recent memory.
Their Sky Sports ‘The Gloves Are Off’ segment bore shades of the rivalry shared between Eubank Jr.’s father Chris Eubank and his long-time adversary Nigel Benn.
During the head-to-head interview, there was no handshake and at one point, Williams, from Clydach Vale, told his opponent: “If we went to the back room there, I’d punch your head in”.
Historically, genuine grudge matches tend to live up to expectations and for Ciaran Gibbons of S4C and KOTV, this middleweight fight will be no different.
He said: “Chris Eubank Jr v Liam Williams is a top-level British bout that has been on my wish list for a number of years. A fifty-fifty fight where I can see ways for both fighters to win.
“One thing is for sure, expect fireworks when these two collide.”
When @Liamwilliamsko locked eyes with @ChrisEubankJr 👀 Chilling ❄️ #EubankJrWilliams pic.twitter.com/AT7TzFCjn1
— George Glinski (@GeorgeGlinski) February 2, 2022
What the experts think
Welsh boxing journalists Dewi Powell and Ciaran Gibbons both favour Williams over the distance, but do not expect it to come easily.
Dewi Powell said: “Williams will need the best performance of his career to win.
“If he can rise to the occasion and Eubank Jr., as it seems, has underestimated the challenge, the Welshman can edge a competitive contest.
“A sold-out partisan crowd will also play their part should judges be needed. I will go for Williams on points.”
Ciaran Gibbons said: “The key to a Williams win is to keep his cool and stick to the fight plan for the full 12 rounds, even when he hits Eubank Jr with clean shots, I think Williams would be wise not to go looking for the stoppage as Eubank Jr has a great chin and general punch resistance.
“Eubank Jr’s other strengths are his great stamina and endurance and his above-average punch power which he carries into the later rounds.
“Eubank Jr will be looking to set a fast pace and not let Williams get into a comfortable rhythm. I expect him to try to use the uppercut as a key punch.
“However, with new trainer Adam Booth to guide him through a few tough moments, I favour Williams on points.”
@ChrisEubankJr looking sharp on the pads ahead of fight night. Can't wait for this one! #EubankJrWilliams pic.twitter.com/KDQJIxip49
— George Glinski (@GeorgeGlinski) February 2, 2022
The undercard and how to watch the fight
Saturday night’s event is being broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena, with coverage beginning at 7.30pm.
Fans will be treated to a stacked undercard, supported by female pound for pound number two Claressa Shields who defends her WBA, WBC, IBF and Ring Magazine middleweight titles against undefeated Slovenian prospect Ema Kozin.
Further down the card is local boxer Rhys Edwards who boxes out of Llanrumney Phoenix Boxing Club in Llanrumney, Cardiff.
When he spoke to The Cardiffian at the open workout, he said: “I can’t wait for fight night, the open workout and the reception I have received here has made it feel a lot more real.
“Fighting on a card like this is great exposure for myself and I intend to impress on Saturday, I see myself easing to an exciting points decision victory.
“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me up to this point, this fight is for you.”
The undercard in full
Claressa Shields v Ema Kozin (WBA, WBC, IBF, and The Ring female middleweight titles)
Samuel Antwi v Conah Walker
Chris Jenkins v Julius Indongo
Rhys Edwards v Ruslan Berchuk
Otto Wallin v Kamil Sokolowski
Harlem Eubank v Viorel Simion
Steve Robinson v Shane Gill
Caroline Dubois v Vaida Masiokaite
