Liam Williams (21-2-1) will look to continue his relentless quest for middleweight glory this Saturday as he takes on American contender Alantez Fox (26-1-1) at The Copper Box Arena, London.
The Welshman has found it difficult to find willing opponents after an impressive run of KO victories following the disappointment of two defeats to Liam Smith, though in Alantez Fox it appears that he has finally found a credible contender, with the American-who, stands at 6ft 4-holding significant advantages in terms of height and reach and having only had one loss to Demetrius Andrade on his record.
The defeats that Williams suffered against Smith were at super welterweight and Williams appears to be a different proposition at middleweight, looking particularly destructive in his last bout against Karim Achour, dropping him twice before a stoppage in round two, which earned him the WBC silver middleweight title.
Williams has been a victim of his own form and after dispatching the likes of Mark Heffron and Joe Mullender with ease, has had to resort to calling out anyone and everyone in a bid to find worthy opponents that will enhance and progress his career towards a recognised world title but Saturday presents him with an opportunity to finish the year as number one contender with the WBO.
That is the aim for Williams and the nature of his performances have meant that other middleweight contenders have been reluctant to jeopardise their own advancement, especially given that Williams can't yet offer any silverware in return.
The man nicknamed 'The Machine' has even attempted to entice Liam Smith into sharing a ring for the third time, such is his desire to avenge the losses on his record.
Williams' clash with Fox appears to have all the ingredients of a tremendous contest and if Dubois v Fujimoto is the walkover that everyone assumes it will be, this encounter-as Williams predicts-could steal the show.
Williams is favourite for the contest, not an overwhelming favourite but a favourite nonetheless and will be expected to get inside the long reach of Fox with his explosive style, endless work rate and high tempo. It's a stiffer test than he's had in recent fights though and the man from Maryland is a tough cookie.
The pair have had a string of social media quarrels with each other in previous months and although there was a begrudging handshake at the end of the press conference during fight week, there appeared to be a few choice words from Williams who in fairness has never really been the timorous type.
Another boxer who certainly isn't timorous or shy is heavyweight Tyson Fury, who weighed in on social media himself with some advice on how his stablemate could beat the American.
Williams has fought around the festive period on numerous occasions and once again looks in outstanding shape under the tutelage of Dominic Ingle, and a win on Saturday could be pivotal in ensuring a profitable and successful 2020.
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