By Gareth James
Liam Williams’ eagerly-awaited middleweight showdown against Chris Eubank Jr. has been rearranged for February 5 at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena.
A shoulder injury to Williams scuppered an initial December 11 bout while the British Boxing Board of Control’s decision to suspend all events within its jurisdiction this month meant a rescheduled January 29 date fell through.
There were fears Williams may have had to surrender home advantage as fans in Wales are currently prohibited from attending sporting events although various Covid-19 curbs are being withdrawn over the next few weeks.
Ringside Round Up – latest boxing news 📰https://t.co/VE9Lp34A44
Chris Eubank Jr vs Liam Williams officially rescheduled + undercard announced ✅
Terri Harper next fight confirmed ✅@fightzonetv announced schedule ✅
Plus much more! #boxing pic.twitter.com/LXm0XNdTfW
— Charlie @ CPBXNG (@charlie_price14) January 17, 2022
With spectators allowed back into sporting venues from Friday, a grudge fight between two fighters seeking to enhance their claims for another shot at a world title has been given the go-ahead to proceed on the first weekend of February.
Eubank (31-2, 23KOs) has won his last five since being outpointed by then WBA super-middleweight champion George Groves in February 2018 while Williams (23-3-1, 18KOs) has been out of action since losing to WBO middleweight champion Demetrius Andrade last April.
Williams’ fellow Welshman and former British and Commonwealth Champion Chris ‘Rock ‘n’ Rolla’ Jenkins (22-4-3, 8 KO’s) heads to his nation’s capital from his hometown of Garnant as he faces former Unified World Champion Julius Indongo (23-4, 12 KO’s) in a massive welterweight showdown.
Indongo’s last visit on these shores in April 2017 saw him relieve Ricky Burns of his world titles at his Glasgow fortress and will hold no fear facing Jenkins in front of his fierce fan base.
@ChrisRokn tko pic.twitter.com/pNsLek5uGc
— Johnny Owen Matchstick Man (@OwenMatchstick) December 28, 2021
Fast-rising Welsh hot shot Rhys Edwards (11-0, 4 KO’s) looks to maintain his undefeated run and make his countrymen proud in an eight-round super-bantamweight contest against experienced Russian Ruslan Berchuk (13-13, 4 KO’s).
The 21-year-old, from Penygraig, is trained by former world champion Gary Lockett and has been heralded as one of the best up-and-coming prospects in the sport.
Always improving⚡️
Good work today✅ pic.twitter.com/7XH4UfP0IS— Rhys Edwards (@Rhysedwards2000) January 10, 2022
Claressa Shields, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and a winner of multiple world titles in three different weight classes, will make her UK debut as the chief support.
Shields (11-0, 2KOs) will defend her WBA, WBC and IBF middleweight crowns against unbeaten Ema Kozin (21-0-1, 11 KOs) ahead of an anticipated meeting against WBO titlist Savannah Marshall later this year.
Caroline Dubois, who competed at Tokyo 2020 and is the sister of heavyweight boxer Daniel, will make her professional debut on the undercard.
🇬🇧 After signing a pro deal with @boxxer, Caroline Dubois says she can’t wait to showcase her ability during her debut on the #EubankWilliams card. ✨
👀 One to watch… 🔍
🎥 https://t.co/ZwZXNQh2Og#Boxing pic.twitter.com/cy8dESfGfT
— Boxing Social (@boxing_social) January 16, 2022