This Saturday Night we are blessed with a mouthwatering WBO Middleweight World Title fight, 3 years in the making as American Demetrius Andrade takes on his mandatory challenger, Welshman Liam Williams live from Miami, Florida courtesy of DAZN and Eddie Hearn.
We have reached out to a couple of SimBoxx’s very own writers to see the differences of opinion when it comes to the outcome of the fight and no better way to start than with our American correspondent Alex Perl, who is backing his man all the way, as he believes Andrade is ‘in a class by himself’ and will overcome the ‘dangerous offensive minded Brit’.
Here’s what Alex had to say:
‘Demetrius Andrade (29-0) is in a class by himself when it comes to the Middleweight division. The WBO Middleweight champion has now held the title for three years and despite the fact Andrade has faced some lackluster competition recently, in many boxing experts’ minds – the difference between facing mediocre opposition and getting genuine competitors to fight you is night and day.
His style is tricky and very defensive, it is a style that most fans are not a fan of. Canelo Alvarez one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world has even described Andrade’s style as boring. Nevertheless, the undefeated Olympian out of Rhode Island continues to pile up the wins without losing nearly a round in site. This is where Andrade might face some issues here.
His next fight is against a very dangerous offensive minded fighter in Brit Liam Williams (23-2-1), Williams is a power puncher who has won his last eight fights, and out of his 23 wins, 18 were by way of knockout. This test will be a true testament to the lasting power of Andrade, maybe his defensive style will backfire and he will be forced into a war with Williams who will look to use his power to muscle around Andrade.
Well only time will tell, but if predictions and odds were enough, then surely the fight would go the way of Andrade.
Andrade has not faced elite competition and that has been called into question numerous times over his career, but one thing that stands out about Andrade is just how difficult his style is to maneuver. Williams will have a tough time facing the guard of Andrade, and what makes Andrade dangerous is his length and ability to counter. Williams should be in for a long night against “Boo Boo”, as power punchers have tested the chin and Andrade, and according to his spotless record – this tells the tale. Andrade should prevail this weekend vs some tough competition in Williams, and hopefully this year we get to see Andrade face the cream of the crop in the division. Maybe a unification fight with Jermall Charlo could be in the cards, or possibly a fight vs aging but still dangerous Gennady Golovkin. The middleweight division does have some interesting names for Andrade, IF he can make it past the power of Williams. Andrade should make it past Williams though as the boxer should take advantage of the brawler here. Expect Andrade to lean heavily on not only his defense, but his counter-punchingand ability to make Williams movement around the ring awkward as he chases the elusive Andrade.
I see a Unanimous decision going the way of Andrade here.’
Across the pond our British correspondent, Bobby Gunn has differing views, he believes Williams’ new found power and relentless pressure will be too much for the slick American.
Here’s what Bobby had to say about the bout:
‘I agree with Alex in many aspects, while also understanding why Andrade is the overwhelming favourite for the bout, I just believe Williams is the man in form and has a style Andrade could have problems trying to overcome.
Williams has gone on a run of 7 straight stoppage wins since moving up to Middleweight and ‘The Machine’ just looks like a different animal when weighing 160lbs and fighting out of the legendary Wincobank Gym.
Williams has a style the American hasn’t really had to deal with much in his career, especially in Andrade’s last 3 fights dating back to January 2019, which were against fighters who have tried to box him. Williams will be going in there to take his head off, with relentless pressure, new found ferocious punching power and maybe most importantly, nothing to lose.
The only real conjunctive fighter between the pair is American Alantex Fox, albeit 3 years apart, he gave us a good idea of the differences between the American and the Welshman, in that Andrade used his slick boxing style to completely school Fox to get a comfortable decision win, whereas the Welshman Liam Williams went in there with bad intentions and took him out in a 5-round demolition.
My opinion is that this is the right time for Williams and as we all know timing is everything in boxing. I can see Williams pushing a relentless pace, not allowing Andrade to shake off the ring rust and settle into his boxing rhythm, then taking him out mid to late.
I’m going for a Williams stoppage win 6-9 rounds.’
Whether you agree with myself or Alex, what we can all agree on is that this contest is going to be brilliant and don’t forget this has been pulled forward by DAZN meaning the fight card begins at around 8pm (UK time), with the main event being around 10.30pm (UK time).
Don’t miss it!
Bobby Gunn and Alex Perl of SimBoxx
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