Steve Williams promises to return stronger after British light-welterweight title loss to Lenny Daws

Jul 14 2010 by Philip Kirkbride, Birkenhead News

Steve Williams (right) taking on Lenny Daws

COURAGEOUS Steve Williams has vowed to return a more accomplished fighter after his failed title bid.

The Wallasey Express lost to British light-welterweight champion Lenny Daws on Friday night when his corner retired him at the end of the 10th with deep cuts above the 26-year-old's right eye.

Although Williams had hinted in the build up defeat at York Hall in Bethnal Green could spell the end of his short professional career, the now 9-1 10st boxer is determined to earn a second shot at the Lonsdale Belt.

Despite a blistering start from Williams as he took the first two rounds, the ring smart Daws (21-1) soon found the Wallasey man's direct approach easy to pick off.

Finding the target with worrying regularity, Daws took control of the bout as he refused to engage in the dust-up Williams had planned for.

Though mounting a surge in rounds nine and 10, Williams' team decided to call a halt on his title tilt despite their man wanting to continue.

“I'm disappointed but have learnt a lot from the fight,” said Williams.

“I am a bit one dimensional and didn't have a plan B when things were not working. I just thought he would meet me in the middle and we would punch it out. But he out-boxed me which I didn't expect, I thought I would be able just blast through him.

“I hit him to the body in the first round and heard him wince at which point I thought ‘I’ve got him here’. Maybe because of my inexperience I kept looking for that same shot so he kept blocking it. The overhand right knocked his gumshield out a bit early on as well.

“But I will definitely come again and if you look at Daws, he lost, then came back to regain the British title. A lot of it came down to experience.”