Liam Williams vs. Andrew Robinson - 10 October 2020

[mickey1975]

But it won’t go anywhere near 8 rounds!

[maverick23]

But it won’t go anywhere near 8 rounds!

It’s a crap fight being missold and as you say won’t go 8 rounds.

McCann is a big punching bantamweight who fought at super bantam in his last fight.

Matos is a superfly who’s been stopped twice before including being the only man stopped by Sunny Edwards in his last 8 fights. He’s also only had one win against someone with a winning record.

Surely they could give him an actual, albeit small, step up rather than this?

[Ruthless-RKO]

Williams vs Robinson fight preview, plus undercard

On Saturday, October 10, Welshman Liam Williams defends his British middleweight title for the second time to challenger Andrew Robinson behind closed doors at the BT Sport Studios in London.

BBN’s Editor, Tim Rickson, previewed the entire event:

Main Event

Liam Williams vs Andrew Robinson

Defending champion Liam ‘The Machine’ Williams (22-2-1, 17KOs) defends his Lonsdale belt to his second challenger Andrew ‘D’Animal’ Robinson (24-4-1, 7KOs) on the same day in history that British, Commonwealth and European lightweight champion Dave Charnley was born in 1935.

‘The Dartford Destroyer’ went down in history as one of England’s greatest boxers of all-time, and Williams will want to be remembered in the same way by his beloved Wales.

28-year-old Williams’ only defeats came in two memorable fights with former world champion Liam Smith (29-2-1, 16KOs), which were his only two fights in 2017.

In the first fight, with the WBO interim World super-welterweight title on the line, Williams got the better of the Liverpudlian in Manchester, until a head clash, deemed purposeful by many spectators, caused a double laceration to the Welshman’s right eyelid and he was retired by his corner in round nine despite leading on all three scorecards at the time.

In the rematch, Smith bucked up his ideas and deserved the mixed decision victory after 12 exciting rounds of action.

Williams bounced back with a brace of wins before challenging for the British title at a second weight division up at middleweight. Williams won the super-welterweight belt in December 2015 which he defended once, successfully, in an epic battle with then-unbeaten Gary Corcoron (18-3, 8KOs), which ended in the 11th round.

The Lonsdale belt was vacant and it was unbeaten powerhouse Mark Heffron (25-1-1, 19KOs) that stood in his way of becoming a two-weight British champion.

Boxing fans were left stunned with the way that Williams despatched of Oldham’s Kid Dynamite in the 10th round, then were further amazed with the way he handled his first defence by blasting away the durable ‘Smokin’ Joe Mullender (11-3, 5KOs) in just two rounds.

The excitement didn’t end there. He challenged EBU-EU middleweight champion Karim Achour (27-6-3, 4KOs) for the vacant WBC Silver title, scoring a consecutive second-round stoppage.

Then came his crowning glory in December last year as he dominated the WBO #1 Alantez Fox (26-2-1, 12KOs) to claim the vacant WBO Inter-Continental middleweight title.

Now, Williams is ranked WBC #3; WBO #2; IBO #6; and Ring Magazine #10.

His 26th ring opponent, Robinson, put up a spirited performance in his 14th fight against Frank Buglioni (22-4-1, 16KOs) back in 2014, which was a huge step up in levels for the Brummie at the time. He lost on points and the chance to claim the vacant WBO European super-middleweight title.

He bounced back shorty after to win the Midlands Area super-middleweight belt in 2015. The next year finished rather badly for ‘D’Animal’ as he fell to a razor-thin split decision defeat to Sam Sheedy (18-3-1, 4KOs), then he lost out on the English middleweight title to Lee Markham (17-41, 7KOs). The bad fortune continued into 2017, as he started the year with a draw against journeyman Adam Jones (8-35-6, 2KOs).

However, he then reeled off three wins on the spin to land a fight with Mark Heffron, who was unbeaten in 19 contests at the time. It would result in a fourth career loss for Robinson, but notably his first and only stoppage defeat. His eye was badly marked by round four but a powerful left hook to the head, after some dubious low blows, signalled the end in round six. Robinson showed he had an iron chin in that fight, despite the early ending, and was stopped on his feet.

2019 was a better year for the Redditch resident as he notched up three wins in a row. One of those was a surprise victory away from home in Poland to ‘The Beast’ Damian Jonak (41-1-2, 21KOs), ending his 42-fight winning streak and 13-year unbeaten record. Robinson triumphed over the former WBA International super-welterweight champion and two-weight WBC Youth titlist on a split decision.

Williams has a 68% KO ratio, but his since his brace of reverses to Liam Smith, it now stands at 100% over his last six scraps. Only Heffron made it to the second half of the contest against Williams, all others succumbing before the sixth round could start.

Robinson has proved his toughness enough times, and he has been in with top domestic fighters. Against Williams he will have met his most formidable foe yet. If Heffron landed enough times to force the stoppage in round six, then you could envisage Williams doing even better than that.

The Welshman has been bowling over better challengers in recent times, so Robinson is not likely to make it to the midway mark, like five of his last six rivals.

Williams is so desperate for his world title shot, his patience has run out now, so he will be looking to put on a clinical performance to make the likes of Demetrius Andrade (29-0, 18KOs), Patrick Teixeira (31-1, 22KOs), and Jermall Charlo (31-0, 22KOs) sit up and take notice.

I predict a devastating performance from Williams to blast Robinson away in any of the first five rounds.

Chief Support

Anthony Cacace vs Leon Woodstock

Belfast banger Anthony Cacace (18-1, 7KOs) has won his last three fights since his sole career defeat to Martin Joseph Ward (24-1-2, 11KOs).

In his last fight, he won the British super-featherweight title with a split decision victory over the reigning champion Sam Bowen (15-1, 11KOs).

He makes his maiden title defence to the talented 24-year-old Lyon Woodstock (12-2, 5KOs), who has only won one from his last three fights.

Defeats to once-beaten Zelfa Barrett (24-1, 15KOs) for the Commonwealth super-featherweight title, and unbeaten Archie Sharp (19-0, 9KOs) for the WBO European strap were both entertaining, enthralling affairs. Woodstock may have lost both bouts by UD but he was in the contests the whole way and it was very even and enjoyable to watch.

To me, this contest has points written all over it, despite the many endorsements of ‘The Apache’ Cacace’s power from sparring partners who have felt it, such as Carl Frampton, who rates his compatriot as the hardest puncher he’s ever sparred with.

I think this will be a unanimous decision win to Cacace.

[Colmohara]

Think that fight may not happen........

[Ruthless-RKO]

Think that fight may not happen........

Which?

[Ruthless-RKO]

JJ Metcalf wants Fowler

JJ METCALF is ready to start making up for lost time and wiping out the British Super-Welterweight division, with Fowler, Fitzgerald and Flatley high on his F heavy hitlist.

Queensberry Promotions supremo allegedly is meeting Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn in the near future to discuss the promotional rivals boxers facing each other.

And one of the potential mouthwatering clashes is a local derby between Warren’s Commonwealth Super-Welterweight champion Metcalf and Matchroom-backed Fowler.

Metcalf (21-0, 13 KOs) must come through a tricky first title defence against Bolton’s Jack Flatley (16-1-1, 4 KOs) at BT Sports Studio on Saturday October 10.

British champion Scott Fitzgerald has been ordered to defend the title against Metcalf, but the domestic title holder’s future is uncertain.

That could clear the path for Metcalf to face Fowler for the vacant British crown in a battle that would split Liverpool fight fans.

Metcalf is an Everton fan and Fowler supports Liverpool.

Metcalf who is ranked at five in the IBF rankings for Jermell Charlo’s world title said: “Fighting Fowler would be brilliant for Liverpool and capture the imagination especially as we’re both going well in our careers.

“A fight against Fowler in Liverpool is a big fight, and hopefully that comes off, but I would prefer to fight Scott Fitzgerald, right now.

“The reason I’d rather fight him than Fowler is that he is the British champion. I’d rather beat a champion than fight Fowler for the vacant title.

“Fitzgerald has beaten Fowler and Ted Cheeseman so it would be a better win for me, but I still have to get over Jack Flatley.

“I don’t know what the issues are with Scott, but he should start defending or relinquish the title.”

In the meantime, Metcalf is under no illusions about the ability of Flatley who he knows well having sparred “30 or 40 rounds.”

Flatley is always in thrillers and his brutal draw against Troy Williamson in June 2018 was one of the best fights seen in a British ring that year.

Hand injuries have caused Metcalf’s career to stall and since his title winning performance when he stopped Jason Welborn in June 2019, he has boxed just once.

On that occasion in February, Jan Balog was stopped in just 32 seconds.

Metcalf, the son of former top pro Shea Neary explained: “Before the Welborn fight I broke my hand quite badly and needed an operation, so I rolled the dice with that fight and took it.

“I had the operation afterwards and it took time to make a full recovery.

“I am not worried about the hand.I think it will be okay when I defend the title against Jack and it will work out okay on the night.

“I’ve been using it in sparring and it has felt okay so I am not worried. I think this operation has sorted it out.

“I’ve done loads of sparring with Jack and not even long ago either. The last time would have been last year. I know his style and how he will go about the fight.

“He is tough, strong, fit and throws a lot of shots. It will be a tough fight and no walk in the park.

“I could have done with a few more rounds since I won the title, but I have done good sparring and I’m prepared.”

Metcalf v Flatley is on a card headed by Welsh ace Liam Williams who defends his British Middleweight crown against mandatory challenger Andrew Robinson.

Nathan Gorman is back in action in an exciting Commonwealth Heavyweight title eliminator against Ghana’s Richard Lartey.

Willy Hutchinson chases his 13th straight win when he boxes Spaniard Jose Miguel Fandino in a non-title ten-round Super-Middleweight clash.

Watch Williams vs Robinson, Saturday on BT Sport 1 HD – Coverage starts at 7pm.

[Colmohara]

Think that fight may not happen........

Which?

Just been confirmed. Cacace Woodstock postponed.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Think that fight may not happen........

Which?

Just been confirmed. Cacace Woodstock postponed.

Oh has it?

[Ruthless-RKO]

OFF - Anthony Cacace’s title defence against Leon Woodstock postponed

Anthony Cacace will have to wait that bit longer to make the first defence of his British title.

Cacace [18(7)-1(0)]was set to defend his British super featherweight crown against Leon Woodstock [12(5)-2(0)] on a BT Sports broadcast allegedly promoted clash this Saturday, but news broke today the bout has been postponed.

It’s the second time the fight has been pushed back. The 31-year-old was initially penciled in to fight his promotional stablemate on the top of a TV bill in July.

However, Cacace suffered a real kick in the teeth as an abyss of all things forced a cancellation.

October 10 was then set for the rescheduled bout, but illness means ‘The Apache’ is unable to compete this Saturday night – and as a result the fight is pushed back again.



It’s more frustration for a fighter that hasn’t enjoyed massive amounts of career luck.

Cacace would have hoped to have dealt with Woodstock in the summer, registering win that was meant to take him a step closer to a fight with WBO #3 Archie Sharpe.

Deal with Sharpe and the Belfast talent has been told would be in world title frame.

However, the fact he is the reigning champion and has a promotional agreement with allegedly means he can afford to the be sick.

If he hadn’t either any big television fights would be cancelled rather than proposed. As it stands the Pat Magee managed fighters plans are pushed back rather than shelved.

[handsofstone]

As tough as Robinson is at his level, the level Williams is at is much higher, Robinson's only stoppage loss was to Heffron who Williams destroyed, hopefully Williams gets the Andrade fight next, no fvcking about by the promoters, get it made

Easy KO win for Williams here

[Omerta]

What's the point in this fight

[maverick23]

Any word on whether Lartey’s in the country?!

[maley1984]

What's the point in this fight

Robinson is williams mandatory. This fight is only happening because of the pandemic. Williams is above domestic level but hasn't vacated the title. He will see this as a easy night and payday. but imo Robinson is tough and game and will b anything but easy. I expect Williams to win by late stoppage or points.

[handsofstone]

Metcalf vs Flatley is an ok fight nothing more, Flatley is solid English level boxer, was well beaten by Scarff although it was competitive enough, I like Metcalf though he's a tidy boxer with a bit of a dig especially in the longer distance fights, he's had a low key win since stopping Welborn, Metcalf vs Fitzgerald would've been a cracking scrap but I suppose this will have to do for now

[handsofstone]

Metcalf vs Flatley is off, Flatley tested positive for covid along with Dan Booth

[Floyd the snake]

The boxer's didn't , members of their teams did so following board protocol both bouts off .

[Ruthless-RKO]

So it’s basically just the Williams and Robinson fight then..

[maverick23]

So it’s basically just the Williams and Robinson fight then..

Is Lartey vs Gorman off too?!

[Ruthless-RKO]

So it’s basically just the Williams and Robinson fight then..

Is Lartey vs Gorman off too?!

No.. but is Lartey even in the UK??

[handsofstone]

The boxer's didn't , members of their teams did so following board protocol both bouts off .

My bad

[stujones]

I think some of the comments about the main event are a bit harsh - Robinson is a good honest tough pro who is a decent area / fringe British title level fighter. I am sure he will try his best and is the mandatory.

Yes though Williams seems to be "beyond" domestic class and is a decent European / Fringe world level fighter.

This does sort of remind me of when Alan Bosworth was mandatory for Junior Witter (after beating Matthew Hatton) - it wasn't Bosworth's fault and Bosworth was a good, honest, tough pro. Just there is not much out there for Williams on a pure domestic front - Assuming Eubank Jnr would claim it is beneath him also to fight for the British title.

I'm not expecting anything but a comfortable Williams win, but there aint much out there as a title defence - but sure he could look for continental fighters.

[margaret thatcher]

agree, obviously we want better but it's not dreadful in the cirumstances, robinson had a good recent win and comes to fight, don't think williams-andrade is going to happen this year anyway and williams needs to get active again.

would like to see him fight someone like sulecki or culcay or maybe even derevchankyo next if the world title shot doesnt come

[skanksta]

I was just thinking this is the first really good post-COVID card from FWank.
I agree with being fine with Williams vs Robinson - It’s a legit British title fight and I like it that Williams wants to stay busy defending it.
But now with the The Apache and Kid Shamrock off - it’s just the same old card of mismatches with maybe one fight that’s good on paper, which might not even deliver.
Rubbish.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Carlos Red]

Here is my fight preview: