Welsh boxer Liam Williams has announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 32, citing the impact of ‘several concussions’ on his decision to step away from the sport. Williams, a former British champion, faced his last bout in February, where he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Hamzah Sheeraz, bringing his record to 25-5-1 (20 KO wins). Throughout his career, Williams challenged for world titles in both middleweight and super-welterweight divisions.
In an interview with the BBC, Williams revealed that he was advised against facing Chris Eubank Jr in 2022 due to the effects of a concussion. Reflecting on his decision to retire, Williams expressed concerns about jeopardizing his future with his family, acknowledging the brutality of boxing and the toll it takes on the body, especially in terms of head injuries.
Williams disclosed, “I know that boxing is brutal. [After the Sheeraz fight], I came back to my dressing room feeling down and feeling bad for myself, I was devastated at how I had performed.” He emphasized the importance of listening to advice from those around him, particularly when it came to issues related to his health and well-being.
Detailing his struggles with concussions, Williams mentioned experiencing multiple concussions within a short span of time, which ultimately led to his retirement. He recalled a doctor advising him against fighting Eubank, stating, “I probably shouldn’t say this, but a doctor told me not to fight Eubank as I had been concussed again.” Despite the financial incentives and pressure to fight, Williams prioritized his long-term health and family over the immediate rewards of boxing.
Gary Lockett, Williams’s coach, recounted a poignant moment after the Sheeraz fight where Williams expressed his doubts about continuing due to his reduced ability to withstand headshots. Lockett affirmed Williams’s decision, acknowledging the risks involved in continuing to compete, especially considering his history of concussions.
In conclusion, Liam Williams’s retirement from boxing serves as a poignant reminder of the physical and mental toll that combat sports can take on athletes. By prioritizing his health and family, Williams has set an example of making difficult but necessary decisions for the well-being and longevity of athletes in a sport known for its unforgiving nature.