Key boxing figures give their predictions for Mark Heffron vs Liam Williams British middleweight title fight
Unbeaten powerhouse Mark Heffron (21-0, 17KOs) clashes with former British super-welterweight champion Liam Williams (18-2-1, 13KOs) at the Manchester Arena for the vacant British middleweight championship.
Tommy Langford
Former British, Commonwealth & WBO Inter-Continental middleweight champion
"Liam Williams is a sparring partner and friend to me, but I would still back him to win anyway, despite that.
When you look at his calibre and how he's operated at a much higher level than Heffron and done very well, only beaten by World champion Liam Smith, and didn’t disgrace himself at all. Smith is a big light-middle, so Williams going up in weight will suit him."
Dan Blackwell
Middleweight
"This will be a great fight! I still can't see how Williams has gone in as the underdog, he has fought at a higher level and knows he can do the rounds.
Heffron's record is impressive, at first glance, but who has he really fought? If williams boxes Heffron, he will open him up and Heffron will start loading up, leaving himself open and Williams won't sit back.
I would go for a late stoppage from Williams, from round eight."
Peter Sims
Trainer and Manager
"This is going to be a cracker of a fight on a massive weekend of British boxing.
My prediction for this fight is a difficult one and I think it’s going to be down to who has what left in the tank!
The winner for me is going to be Liam Williams on his resilience and experience – probably a late stoppage or close points."
Miles Shinkwin
English light-heavyweight champion
"This is a tough one. I’ve sparred Mark and he’s a handful, a real handful, but Liam has been here before and is stepping up in weight. It’s a bit cliche. but it’s going to be who has the best gameplan and who can stick to it. It’s a fight where it will be very easy to get into a fight.
I'm going for a close points decision, but can’t pick who."
Danny Barrett
Unbeaten welterweight
"I can only really go for Liam Williams, because I don't really know too much about Mark Heffron and have never seen him fight.
Williams has been in with some good boxers and only lost in two close fights with world champion Liam Smith, so I'd go for him."
Steve Wood
Promoter, VIP Promotions
"50/50 fight and I think Mark either stops him in the first six or, if not, Liam will stop Mark in the last six."
Kofi Donker
Unbeaten lightweight
"Heffron-Williams is a good fight. I depends on how much the two losses to Liam Smith have taken out of him, his first fight with Dominic Ingle and the step-up a weight. Heffron is obviously a puncher but we haven't seen him tested yet. We dont know what level he is, so this will be a good measuring stick.
It should be quite intense because Liam Williams stopped his brother Ronnie a few years back so Mark will be desperate for revenge for his family."
Jamie Arlain
British Challenge lightweight champion
"This is a great 50/50 fight, for me. I’m gonna have to go for Williams. I just think, personally, he has the little bit more experience, sharing the ring with some top fighters, so I think it'll be Williams on points, for me."
Tim Rickson
Sports Agent and Editor of BBN
"I believe the pedigree and experience of Liam Williams will see him win this fight quite comfortably on the scorecards. I think he will be very strong at middleweight and will be just that level above Heffron, who hasn't managed to really get any great scalps on his record still."
Joe Neale
Boxing Matchmaker and PR
"I like this fight a lot, Heffron has been crying out for a good test and Williams will no doubt bring that. Heffron being the more natural at the weight will make the difference and I see him winning a competitive points decision."
Aqib Tahlat
BBN Writer
"It’s a very good middleweight fight, and I think Liam Williams is the more tested fighter even though Mark Heffron is undefeated.
Williams has one of the best trainers in Britain in his corner in Dominic Ingle, so that could play a part. But it is Williams who is moving up a division to fight Heffron, so the weight can play a pivotal role but a lot of credit has to go to Williams for taking this fight when no one else wanted to."
Mick Gordon
Ring Announcer
"This is a big fight for both of them and so it’s a case of a confident unbeaten Mark Heffron against a more experienced Liam Williams.
Even given the newness of Williams in this weight division, his track record against quality opposition probably still gives him an edge. The longer the bout goes on, the greater the likelihood that Williams will take this one and so I predict a close points decision in his favour."
Daniel Smith
BBN Writer
"Quite a tasty fight between two solid boxers, and one I'm really looking forward to seeing unfold.
In the early rounds, I'm anticipating both lads will box a little cautiously, however, thereafter I think it's going to be an accelerated, ugly brawl resulting in either a late stoppage or points win for Heffron."
Betting Odds
Mark Heffron to win: 8/13 Bet365
Liam Williams to win: 11/10 Ladbrokes
Draw: 20/1 Marathon Bet