Richard Evans takes a look at what to expect from one of the biggest events of the boxing calendar: the Champion Boxing showdown.
Get ready for a night full of POWS, WHACKS and BAMS this October. Cardiff is lacing up its gloves and soaking its mouthguard as it readies to host the double-whammy World Champion Boxing showdown. Chris Eubank Jr and Tommy Langford along with Liam Williams and Ahmet Patterson will go head to head in two highly anticipated fights.
Following a nail biting last minute victory against the formidable Russian pro, Dmitry Chudinov, at the O2 Arena in London last February, defending middleweight champion Chris Eubank is ready to take on Tommy Langford and bag the British crown.
But facing a considerable amount of social media scrutiny after a small Twitter word-war with IBF welterweight title holder, Kell Brook, will Eubank who claimed his corner “doesn’t own towels” prove that his self-proclaimed never-back-down fighting ethos matches his fighting talk?
Langford certainly isn’t breaking a sweat over the upcoming fight, stating that he is in fact “delighted” the fight is being funded. Viewed as something of an underdog for the first time in his professional career, Langford is determined to rise to the occasion and prove to the Boxing World that any criticism thrown his way is laughable. He’s ready to make a legacy of his fighting style by beating down big dog, Eubank:
“I know what he does well and what he doesn’t do well and I believe my style exploits his… I know I’ve got the tools to beat him.”
With the recent media attention on Eubank and the sheer determination expressed by Langford, this certainly is a fight to look forward to. But perhaps even more exciting for Cardiff is the return of British Super-Welterweight Champion and Welsh local hero, Liam Williams.
Williams has proven a stellar and near impenetrable boxing form following his victory over unbeaten domestic rival Gary Corcoran in July. Only one year ago Williams was considering giving up the gloves and throwing in the towel after a serious hand injury (with the prospect of surgery still on the table). Needless to say, he’s come back guns blazing and is ready to take on Patterson who he recognises as a worthy opponent and a necessary challenge for him to beat so that he keeps moving up the ladder. Williams said:
“I need to get through this defence, which I don’t think is going to be easy as I rate Patterson and think he is a cute fighter…It is a hurdle I have to get over, but I am looking at bigger names and want to get at least a European title, if not a world title shot. We are looking to go up and keep moving forward.”
With a rapidly growing fan base in his home country, Williams will certainly have a great deal of support from the crowd on fight day but that won’t deter Patterson. This will be his first outing since a flawless victory over Ryan Aston back in January and he’ll be looking to land the British Title after holding down the Southern Area and English Titles. This is an opportunity for both unbeaten rivals to put themselves in line for a World Title Challenge next year.
Patterson prides himself on his “well read” boxing style; stressing the difference between a simple fight and boxing. Patterson explains:
“I came in the ring with my looks and brains and I intend to leave the industry with lots of money, my looks and brains. I don’t intend to go into the ring to entertain people by getting my brains bashed in or my face smashed! My aim is to do the bashing!”
Clearly Patterson is an intelligent and respectable opponent to match a local hero. Expect to see a tactical fight simultaneously fuelled with furious ambition and pure determination.
World Champion Boxing Showdown, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Sat 22 Oct. Tickets: TBA. Info: 029 2022 4488 / www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk