Liam Smith handed chance to claim back world title

Liverpool's Smith (pictured, left) lost his crown when he was stopped in the ninth round by Saul Alvarez back in September.

But now his intriguing domestic clash with Welshman Liam Williams (pictured, right), in Manchester on April 8, will be for the WBO's interim world strap.

With Alvarez likely to vacate the main title, it could mean the winner of Smith and Williams is elevated to full champion status.

"I'm delighted that Frank has delivered this opportunity" said 28-year-old Smith (24-1-1, 13KOs), who won the world against American John Thompson back in October 2015 and made two successful defences against Jimmy Kelly and Predrag Radosevic before losing to Alvarez in Texas. 

"I'd like to thank my management team and the WBO President Francisco 'Paco' Varcarcel for keeping faith in me. I said I would be a world champion again in 2017 and this is my opportunity. 

"The winner of this is a world champion in waiting. I don't think Alvarez has any intention of defending the 154lbs world title. This is a win-win situation for me. If I beat Liam Williams I'll be in an unbelievable position again. 

"And if Alvarez decides to defend his belt I think I could do a million times better against him in a rematch. It was well publicised that I had the worst training camp of my career heading into that fight.

"He's a world-class fighter and I want to test myself against elite fighters. If not, there are huge fights against the likes of Miguel Cotto out there for me. But first and foremost I have to beat Liam Williams on April 8."

It is also a huge opportunity for Clydach Vale's Williams (16-0-1, 11KOs), the reigning British, Commonwealth and European champion at 154lbs.

"It is a huge fight and a brilliant chance for me to propel my name to the top of the sport," said 24-year-old Williams.

"I was already massively motivated for the Smith fight but this has given me another big boost. I’ve been working towards an opportunity like this all of my career and I’ll be bringing that belt back to Wales with me."

Promoter Frank Warren said: "I am delighted to have delivered this opportunity for these two outstanding fighters. This fight has all the ingredients to be a fight the year contender and now, with the added prize of the interim belt, there is more than just pride on the line for both.

"It is well documented that Canelo has plans to step up in weight and that could well see the winner of this becoming a recognised world champion.

"It’s a great all-domestic clash that I don’t think will go the distance - they are going to come out swinging and it will be exciting while it lasts."

Smith versus Williams is chief support as Terry Flanagan makes the fifth defence of his WBO world lightweight crown against dangerous Russian Petr Petrov, while double Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams makes her pro debut.

*** Tickets for April 8 priced £50, £70, £100, £150, £200, £300 and VIP £500 are available from eventim at www.eventim.co.uk and 0844 249 1000 and the Manchester Arena at www.manchester-arena.com and 0844 847 8000.