CWMBRAN’S Gary Lockett has hailed British and Commonwealth super-welterweight king Liam Williams after his charge scooped the Boxing Writers’ Club award for the best young fighter of 2016.

Williams, 24, joins greats such as Howard Winstone, Joe Calzaghe and Enzo Maccarinelli as winners of the prize to come from Wales.

The Clydach Vale ace, who is trained by Lockett in Cardiff, defends his Lonsdale Belt for the second time when he faces Ahmet Patterson in Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on October 22.

“I’m delighted that Liam has won the prestigious Boxing Writers’ Young Boxer of the Year award,” said Lockett. “He has certainly worked hard enough for it.

“Liam has come through some dark times to take his place on the list of many world class fighters that have won this famous award previously and I am extremely proud of him.”

Williams is fast establishing himself as one of the best young talents coming through the domestic scene and boasts an explosive unbeaten record of 15 fights and 10 knockouts.

His last five fights have ended inside the distance and he is now ranked at number three in the world by the WBO.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have been honoured with this award,” said Williams. “The fact that so many knowledgeable boxing writers, who have the whole of the country to choose from, have chosen me, it means a lot to me.

“Also, to have my name on a trophy alongside so many great fighters such as Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe makes me very proud.

“It is an exciting time to be involved in Welsh boxing, there is a lot of positivity around at the moment which is helping me in my preparation for my British title defence against Ahmet Patterson.”

Promoter Frank Warren is delighted with Williams’ rapid progress – Williams becomes the 20th boxer promoted by the Hall of Famer promoter to win the award.

“I’m thrilled that Liam has been awarded the Boxing Writers’ Young Boxer of the Year of the award and he deserves it for all the hard work he has put in over the past 12 months,” he added.

“In Liam we have a star in the making on our hands. He is an incredibly popular individual and his appeal comes from being a brutal banger who can also box a bit.

“He punches like Colin Jones and has an engine and determination like Joe Calzaghe.

“I believe he will emulate them, Enzo Maccarinelli and Steve Robinson in going all the way, he certainly has the attitude and tools to do it.”

Welsh hero Williams will be presented with his award at the Savoy Hotel on Monday, October 10.

Meanwhile, remaining tickets for his next fight, priced at £70, £100 and £150, are available from the Motorpoint Arena on 02920 224 488 or via motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk, Eventim on 0844 249 1000 and eventim.co.uk, and Ticketmaster on 0844 8440 444 and ticketmaster.co.uk