Demetrius Andrade vs Liam Williams – Who wins and why?
BBN's resident boxing experts give their valued and educated opinions on the possible outcomes of this weekend's WBO World middleweight championship clash between champion Demetrius Andrade (29-0, 18KOs) and challenger Liam Williams (23-2-1, 18KOs) in Florida on April 17, live on DAZN.
It's unbeaten 'Boo Boo's' fourth defence of the title he won back in 2018. He faces the Welshman known as 'The Machine' who has stopped every opponent since moving up to middleweight after back to back defeats to former world champion Liam Smith in 2017.
Kieran Gething
Welsh Area super-lightweight champion
"I think Williams wins!
Not only am I welsh and know him, I feel Andreade has done a lot to avoid the fight, I think he style doesn’t suit being against an intense fighter and Liam is so strong and tough he will bust him up!"
Joe Calzaghe
Longest-reigning super-middleweight world champion in history
“I would be thrilled to see Liam become World champion. He’s earned his spot at the table and now he just has to go out there and deliver. Everyone in Wales is behind him.
It’s not going to be an easy night, but he’ll know that. Demetrius is a slippery customer with bags of skill, but I think Liam needs to get in there, get close to him, unsettle him, make him work and not give him one second’s rest.
If he does that, I think he could take the belt on points and even force a late stoppage. It’ll be a hard night’s work, but he’s got the tools to get it done and I’d love to see him bring the belt back to Wales.”
Anish Parekh
BBN Writer
"I think this is an excellent clash of styles and personalities, which I hope culminates in some exciting action.
Based on pure skill; it would be understandable that Andrade goes into the fight as favourite. He is a slick, crafty southpaw that makes life hard for his opponents to find any rhythm.
However, with poor recent opposition and large spells of inactivity, the American has never convinced me that he is passionate about boxing.
Williams on the other hand has not only improved immensely since being under the stewardship of Dominic Ingle and moving to middleweight, but the desire that oozes from him to destroy his rivals, is impressive.
After some cagey early rounds where Andrade tries to potshot Williams, the Welshman will be undeterred, get into range and begin clinically landing punishing blows, intelligently switching between body and head. He will drag Andrade into a battle of attrition, where unfortunately the the champion's desire will be found wanting.
Williams out-fights Andrade to a close, but clear decision."
Ben Day
Former Southern Area lightweight champion
"Great fight! Liam is a very tough man and will bring it, but I just think that Andrade is better."
Mick Kane
Boxing Writer
"I have a feeling Liam Williams is going to come out on top in this one. Williams has been looking in great shape since moving up to middleweight. Becoming a two weight British champion.
Andrade is a two weight world champion so it will be tough for Williams however I've never been overly impressed with Andrade and feel Williams is the younger, fresher fighter with the hunger to claim a world title."
Tim Rickson
BBN Editor
"I've seen comments made about Liam Williams having two defeats on his record and never beating anyone above domestic level, but I don't agree with that. He's seen off the WBO #1, Alantez Fox, who managed to drop the champion Andrade during their fight, plus his first loss to Liam Smith was not a cut and dry case because Williams was winning until that late 'accidenta;' clash of heads that stopped the fight prematurely. In the rematch, Smith made adjustments and won fairly, but the first loss for Williams was on paper only.
Since moving up to middleweight, the man has become a beast! He's blasted everyone away in devastating fashion. He has earned his shot and I believe he will grab it with both hands and become the next world champion to be celebrated on these shores."
Dee The Hat
Boxing Trainer
"It’s a great fight for Liam, and an interesting fight, stylistically. Demetrius is all boxer, a big, tall rangy southpaw. Liam can box at a high level as well but has shown more aggressive sides and tendencies recently.
It’s all about who gets the tactics and has the right “script” for me. My heart hopes it’s Liam but my head says Demetrius by late stoppage."
Arijan Goricki
Unbeaten super-featherweight
"Liam Williams will come strong and out put Demetrius on back foot. I expect hard fight for Demetrius, wouldn't be surprise if Liam puts down Demetrius.
Demetrius will win fight in close decision."
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