By Owen Morgan
Liam Williams’ bid to become Wales’ 13th boxing world champion ultimately ended in courageous defeat in Florida on Saturday night.
The Clydach Vale man bravely picked himself up off the canvas after a disastrous opening two rounds to take reigning WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade all the way.
Few would have predicted the fight going the distance after Andrade completely dominated the first six minutes, putting Williams down in the second round with a right-left combination.
But Williams earned not only the respect of Andrade, but the whole of the boxing world as he not only gained a foothold in the fight over the next couple of rounds but hurt the champion.
After the unanimous points decision in his favour, the undefeated American, who had traded insults with Williams in the build up said: “Liam Williams is a hell of a fighter.
“He’s tough, strong and gave me a hell of a fight. He got up and kept coming. That’s what happens in a dogfight.”
Promoter Frank Warren said: “You will not meet a tougher man than Liam Williams. Showed incredible heart tonight to came back and have Andrade hurt in there!
“Hold your head up high Liam, you proved you’re a problem for anyone at 160lbs!”
Joe Calzaghe, who Williams was aiming to emulate by becoming a Welsh world champion, said: “Brave effort by Williams tonight. Hurt early but came back and showed he belongs at world level hurting Andrade in the ninth.
“Bad ref, frustrating and allowed way too much holding!”
With Williams working hard to make up the deficit of the first couple of rounds, the champion was forced to physically hold on to his man at times in a bid to keep his aggressive opponent at bay.
Despite Williams’ efforts, Andrade managed to stay in control for the majority of the fight, showing his class in skilful bursts of punches, but the challenger’s big chance came in the ninth round.
The two-weight world champion looked visibly shaken by a big right as he was forced onto the ropes by Williams, who looked to be in with a chance of finishing the fight with Andrade appearing to tire.
But the talented American managed to weather the storm and keep Williams at arm’s length for the remaining three rounds, despite the Welshman constantly looking to come forward.
After the judges scored the fight in Andrade’s favour at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Williams said: “Andrade is a very good fighter. He’s better than I thought to be honest.
“He’s very slippery and I couldn’t really get going. I hurt him a couple of times but then he was gone before I knew it.”