Liam on cusp of world title shot

Published 5:00pm 1 July 2022

Words by Nick Crockford

The final steps of Liam Wilson’s quest to become a world boxing champion may soon be known.

Wilson, who trains at All Star Boxing Academy in Lawnton, will be in the top two of the next WBO (World Boxing Organisation) Super Featherweight rankings.

From there the 26-year-old could fight for the world crown, currently held by unbeaten American Shakur Stevenson, or have an eliminator for a shot at the title.

However, there is talk Stevenson may move up a weight after his next fight in September, leaving the WBO Super Featherweight title vacant.

Minimum top two

That could see Wilson, who grew up in Caboolture and lives at Griffin, fight current number one, unbeaten Archie Sharp, from the UK, for the world crown.

“The position should be known in the next few weeks,” Steve Scanlon, Wilson’s manager, said, “the WBO will assess everything and then release the new rankings.

“Liam should be in the top two minimum, could be number one. At the moment my phone is ringing off the hook with managers trying to set up a fight for the end of the year!”

Wilson moved into contention for a world title fight with a stunning victory over Argentine hard man Matais Rueda in Brisbane on Wednesday night.

'Unbelievable'

Starting the night ranked five and Rueda eight – both men had each only lost one fight – Wilson got a unanimous points decision after 10 tough rounds.

“It’s unbelievable (to move up the rankings),” Wilson told FoxSports after the fight. “ I’ve been working very hard and my goal’s always remained the same, to be world champion for all Australia.

“For my family, my kids and most of all my dad, and I’m working every day to make that become real.”

His All Star Boxing trainer Ben Harrington said the fight went to plan, until Wilson injured his left hand.

Liam Wilson is counting down to his fight in Sydney later this month.

Quick change

“We had to change a few things on the fly,” Harrington said, “he (Rueda) was a very good, very well credentialed opponent who pushed Liam to the limit.

“I don’t think we’ve seen the best of Liam. There’s still a few things we need to nail down, but I’m so proud of him – and all the guys at All Star Boxing.”

Wilson’s stablemate Ben Hussain also had a unanimous points victory on last night’s undercard, beating Wes Capper.

Hussain took control in the early and middle stages of the fight before holding off a late rally from his opponent.