Liam Smith refuses handshake with Anthony Fowler at press conference

Liam Smith vs. Anthony Fowler 

M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool, England 9/10/21

Liam Smith refused a handshake and revealed that he thinks Anthony Fowler may struggle to deal with the pressure ahead of their local battle in Liverpool on October 9.

The pair square off in the main event off a Matchroom Boxing show at the M&S Bank Arena, and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.

A packed undercard sees Troy Williamson challenge Ted Cheeseman for the British super-welterweight title, Kieron Conway go up against JJ Metcalf, plus the return of Blane Hyland.

A press conference took place in Liverpool, and those in attendance all made their intentions perfectly clear ahead of the event later this year.

Smith said: “This fight was put to me, and once it was spoken about I said I’ll take and it’s a fight that makes me smile. I’ll be bang up for it, and I’m buzzing to be topping the bill again, especially against a Liverpool fighter as I can get my teeth into it.

“I see this being like my fight with Eggington. After the fight I’ll show I’m a step ahead and he wasn’t ready for the step up just yet. He’s competitive for four rounds and then reverts back to what he does, once it’s past four rounds it only goes one way.

“Fowler has got a lot of pressure on. I’ve been in local derbies and experienced it with my brothers too so I’m used to it, but Fowler has a lot to deal with in the next few weeks.”

Fowler said: “This is a dream come true. I’ve wanted to be the main event in Liverpool for a while. I’m under no illusions, Liam is a top fighter, but I’ve got to roll the dice and I’m confident.

“I’m at my peak and I’ll be at my best on October 9th. He’ll be confident, but I’ve been doing good stuff behind closed doors, and I know what I’m capable of. Since teaming with my new trainer we’ve had four fights and got four knockouts, and I will give it my all against Smith.”

Williamson said: “This is a massive fight and one I’m really excited for. The British title is every boxer’s dream to win, and I’ve got the chance to do that.

“I’ve been saying for a while that I believe I’m the best super-welterweight in Britain and now I need to prove it. I rate Cheeseman highly, he’s a good guy in and out the ring, but we’ll put friendship aside and it’s all down to business.”

Cheeseman said: “This is a really good fight and I’m facing another undefeated fighter. I’ll prove myself again, and I see this as my last hurdle before I push on and move past British level.

“In my last few fights I’ve been a lot more mature, and with all the experience I’ve picked up people don’t know what I’ll do when I step into the ring. It could be plan A, plan B or plan C, but my experience will take me all the way in this fight.”

Conway said: “This is a big fight and I am game. I don’t want to go back to the easy fights, I want the testing fights at the top of the division.

“Hopefully Metcalf brings his best because I’m bringing my best. This will be the performance of my life. Last time out for me was a massive experience and I took a lot from it in and out of the ring. I’ll showcase my knowledge next time and I’m looking forward to it.”

(Kristian von Sponneck)

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