There are already calls for a rematch after Saturday night’s controversial all-British showdown in Manchester.
Liam Smith’s hand was raised after nine rounds of back-and-forth action which saw Liam Williams’ corner pull the Welshman from the bout.
Just as the tenth round was getting underway, Williams’ trainer Gary Lockett decided that he did not like the look of a cut over his fighter’s right eye and called the contest off.
It appeared as though a headbutt is what led to the significant gash, and the contentious nature of the finish has left a sour taste in the mouths of many fight fans although referee Terry O’Connor did not notice the foul.
Was @LiamdullW already cut before the clash of heads? 👀 #SmithWilliams pic.twitter.com/nHeTrwJimR
— Boxing on TNT Sports (@boxingontnt) April 8, 2017
Due to the fact that he came in overweight for the bout, Smith was unable to win the WBO interim super-welterweight title, which remains vacant in the wake of the Manchester clash.
In what will come as absolutely no consolation for Williams, whose eye quickly swelled shut after the incident, he was actually up on all scorecards at the point his night came to a premature end.
“The eye was damaged, it was a decision that had to be made,” Lockett told BBC Sport Wales of his decision to pull Williams out.
“He said he couldn’t see. I can’t let him fight with that. It was only going to get worse. He couldn’t see out of it.”
Smith insisted that it was a punch, rather than his head, that caused the damage and the Liverpudlian announced that he would be open to a rematch with Williams, for the right amount of money.
“It’s a shame the winner is not coming away with a title. We’ll try and do it again for a title,” promoter Frank Warren said.
And fans seem to be looking forward to the realisation of that rematch.
I caught the last 3 rounds. But that headbutt from smith seems pretty authentic work. Pretty cheap and they need a rematch #SmithWilliams
— Sendo Jones (@SendoJones) April 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/Charlesy8/status/850822238324633600
Very lucky there for Liam Smith. I thought the headbutt was a bit intentional but at the end of the day, he's got the W! Rematch please.
— Gregor Allan (@gregorallan9) April 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/69Dyson/status/850828201282719745
https://twitter.com/_rhysedwards_/status/850827820712550400
@LiamdullW robbed there.. winning the fight comfortably for me, pure class afterwards. Rematch is a shoe -in surely! #SmithWilliams
— Ian Coles (@ColesyWales) April 8, 2017
Gutted over the decision tonight.. rematch is def on! Dully you are still our champ! Well done @LiamdullW
— kirsty lock (@kirstylock1015) April 8, 2017
