Domestic Rivals Liam Williams and Gary Corcoran Can Steal the Show in Cardiff

On Saturday, at the Ice Arena in Cardiff, Wales, there will be not one but two world champions in action.

Super bantamweight Guillermo Rigondeaux—restored as the WBA's Super champion after Carl Frampton surrendered his grip on the belt to head up to featherweight—finally makes his British bow.

The Jackal had been due to fight James "Jazza" Dickens in March, only for visa issues to scupper those plans.

Rigondeaux has actually made it on to British soil this time, giving Dickens another opportunity to face the two-time Olympic champion. The difference this time, though, is a major title will be on the line.

Terry Flanagan is also fighting in the Welsh capital, as the WBO lightweight champion from Manchester, England, defends his crown against the experienced Mzonke Fana.

However, the best fight on the card, which is promoted by Frank Warren and will be aired live on BoxNation, could be between super welterweights Liam Williams and Gary Corcoran.

Welshman Williams (14-0-1, 9 KOs) has home advantage as he defends his British and Commonwealth titles.

Corcoran, though, has the potential to be the champion's toughest test to date. The Londoner has a 15-0 (6 KOs) record and has fought 25 more rounds than his opponent.

As promoter Frank Warren explained in his column for BoxNation's website, both men fancy their chances of victory:

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One reason why they have signed up to do so is because they back themselves, both possess incredible confidence that it will be their arm raised at the end of the fight in triumph.

These are the sort of fights we would like to make more of, where clearly talented boxers are willing to take a risk in order to catapult themselves to the next level. It is hardly the end of the road for the loser either and, if the match lives up to expectation, why not do it again?

"

Warren is right—too many hot young prospects worry about maintaining their "0." In doing so, they take on soft touches with the aim of simply padding their record.

Yet it's not always about how many wins you've piled up. The numbers don't mean as much as the names on your CV. Consider them a boxer's references as he applies for bigger and better opportunities.

What helps makes the battle between the two 154-pounders so intriguing is the mix of a heavy-handed hitter (Williams) going up against a fighter with a relentless approach (Corcoran).

Williams undoubtedly carries the power to end the bout in any round. Had it not been for a hand injury that required surgery in 2015, the 24-year-old might already be mixing it at world level.

He has won twice since returning to action, stopping Kris Carslaw and Gustavo Alberto Sanchez in the second and third rounds, respectively.

Alex Morton/Getty Images

Corcoran, however, is not worried by Williams' reputation as a puncher.

"Let’s be honest, who has he fought? I’ve fought better fighters than him. He’s not a big puncher, he’s an average puncher. Everyone seems to think he’s Golovkin but nobody has tested him yet," he told Boxing News.

The challenger's career to date suggests he should, unlike Williams' last two foes, survive beyond the early stages.

He is all about pressure and output, often setting a high tempo as he swarms opponents. FrankWarrenTV tweeted a prime example of the nonstop Corcoran at his very best:

The added ingredient that could make the bout really special, though, is a sprinkling of animosity.

There had already been words—or should that be tweets—exchanged between the pair on social media, but things nearly turned physical when they were together in the same room for a press conference.

The head-to-head photo opportunity threatened to turn nasty, as Steve Lillis tweeted:

Williams later told Lillis for BoxNation.com: "It was what it was, we’re going to fight each other and we both got a little excited. It’s all good, it’s just the name of the game and what happens."

At the weekend, they will get the chance to settle their differences in the ring.

Both men have questions to answer: Can Williams stay afloat if he's pushed into deep waters? Will Corcoran's aggressive style leave openings to be exploited?

The contrasting methods will make for a fascinating watch. As Warren mentioned, there is no reason to suggest a defeat will do damage to either man's career.

Yet neither will want to lose. While two belts are up for grabs, this clash is about personal pride.

Forget the world champions on display in Wales—Williams and Corcoran can serve up a treat that steals the show.

Follow @RobLancs79