Middleweight contender Liam Williams put in a brave performance but came up short as he challenged Demetrius Andrade for his WBO middleweight title on Saturday night.

The two men were competing on a Matchroom Boxing event at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida, broadcast live on DAZN.

It became a tough ask for Williams (23-3-1, 18 KOs) very early into the fight, as Andrade (30-0, 18 KOs) dropped the Welshman in round two and had him in trouble.

Williams showed his determination though, getting up off the canvas and battling hard to make it through the entire fight, winning a few rounds along the way, but couldn't overcome the sharp skills and accurate punching of Andrade.

In the end the judges scored it 116-111, 118-109, 118-109 in favor of Andrade, but Williams showed that he can come again.

Williams was impressed by Andrade's abilities and feels he's the best boxer in the division next to Mexican superstar Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez - although Canelo, while technically a champion at 160, has not fought in the weight class in over two years and owns two titles at 168-pounds.

"Demetrius is a very good fighter, better than I thought, more slippery than he appears on TV. I could not get my punches or combinations off, I felt I hurt him a couple of times but he was always gone before I could capitalize on it," Williams said.

"I know I am tough and can take a good shot, I knew I had taken his best shot in the second and I got up so I had nothing to fear.

"I don’t feel I need to take a step back, I believe now I am world level. I know I gave him a bit of stick in the build-up but he is quality."