Boxer Liam Williams' Trainer Says He Was Discouraged From Return To Boxing.
Gary Lockett, trainer of boxer Liam Williams, had initially discouraged his client from making a return to the sport just days before he announced his comeback.
Williams, 33, had retired after a first-round defeat by Hamzah Sheeraz in February last year citing fears over chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after suffering "several concussions". However, he has now revealed that he is feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after taking time off.
"I feel like a new man," said Williams.
Lockett threw his hands up in the air when told of Williams' plans to return. He had also cautioned against it, stating 'Leave it alone. You have had some great nights, you have had a great career. You have got nothing else to prove, you can stay happily retired'.
Williams admitted that he struggled with depression and anxiety after retiring from boxing. Despite this, the former world title challenger is now on the verge of making his comeback.
'I was losing too much weight. That last week, losing the best part of a stone in the 12 to 18 hours before the weigh-in, it's a big ask to recover from that,' said Williams.
Lockett has since agreed to train Williams again and revealed that things went well during their first session back together.
Williams' return to boxing comes as he struggles with thoughts of CTE, which he believes may have contributed to his decision to retire early.
'I always had a worry about it because I have got children which I have to think about,' said Williams.
Despite the risks involved in returning to the sport, Williams is now more determined than ever to prove himself and silence those who doubted him.
Gary Lockett, trainer of boxer Liam Williams, had initially discouraged his client from making a return to the sport just days before he announced his comeback.
Williams, 33, had retired after a first-round defeat by Hamzah Sheeraz in February last year citing fears over chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after suffering "several concussions". However, he has now revealed that he is feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after taking time off.
"I feel like a new man," said Williams.
Lockett threw his hands up in the air when told of Williams' plans to return. He had also cautioned against it, stating 'Leave it alone. You have had some great nights, you have had a great career. You have got nothing else to prove, you can stay happily retired'.
Williams admitted that he struggled with depression and anxiety after retiring from boxing. Despite this, the former world title challenger is now on the verge of making his comeback.
'I was losing too much weight. That last week, losing the best part of a stone in the 12 to 18 hours before the weigh-in, it's a big ask to recover from that,' said Williams.
Lockett has since agreed to train Williams again and revealed that things went well during their first session back together.
Williams' return to boxing comes as he struggles with thoughts of CTE, which he believes may have contributed to his decision to retire early.
'I always had a worry about it because I have got children which I have to think about,' said Williams.
Despite the risks involved in returning to the sport, Williams is now more determined than ever to prove himself and silence those who doubted him.
what a joke, dude! You can't just come out of retirement like that, you need to put in the work if you wanna be back on top 
. And by the way, CTE is no joke either 
. He needs to think about his health before he thinks about stepping back into the ring... not again 
Liam's been feeling so refreshed after taking time off, it's like he was stuck in a rut or something 
. I mean, Gary Lockett basically told him to leave boxing alone, but Williams is still determined to come back 
and now his kids are on his mind... that's some serious pressure right there 
Liam Williams' comeback story is like a real-life Rocky IV, you know? From getting discouraged by his trainer to feeling like a new man and wanting to take on the world... again 
. His trainer was right to caution him, but at the same time, Liam needs to do what makes him happy and prove to himself (and everyone else) that he's still got it 
. Can't wait to see how this whole thing plays out 
!
. got CTE on his mind, but is it worth it tho? 
like, what's in it 4 him? 
. He had every right to be worried, considering his past injuries and how it's been affecting other boxers in the sport. It's great that he's taking care of himself now though, but at the same time, returning to boxing feels like a big risk 
. It's awesome that he's feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, but we gotta hope he's taking the right precautions to protect himself this time around 
.
It might not be easy for him, but I'm rooting for Liam Williams and hoping he comes back stronger than ever 
.
It's crazy how boxers are expected to push through injuries and concussions... like, what about their brains?! 
Gary Lockett is kinda right though, you don't need proof, but maybe Williams just wants the validation from fans? 
. I can only imagine how scary that must be for someone who's gotta think about their kids' future 
. At the same time, it's great to see him taking matters into his own hands and training again with Gary Lockett 
!