On a highly controversial night in Manchester, Liam Smith claimed victory over Liam Williams, though this was largely down to a swollen eye that Williams sustained towards the end of the night.

Following a clash of heads, the Welshman's right eye seemed to close up, with Gary Lockett, Williams' trainer believing that it was an obvious headbutt.

Though the incident was not spotted by referee Terry O'Connor and Williams ended up throwing away his lead in the fight and saw his chances of winning the interim WBO light-middleweight title scupper.

In a superbly contested fight, where Williams shone throughout, it was he who landed the first real blow in the third round, where he cut Smith just above the left eye.

Smith would soon get his revenge though in the ninth round, when he landed his controversial blow on Williams.

Watch: Smith's 'headbutt' on Williams

It appears that Smith does lean in towards Williams with his head, and does make evident contact with the Welshman as the injury suggests.

Soon after the incident happens, Smith goes straight back to using his fists, as Williams is in a state of shock after what had just happened, leaving him very open, which Smith took full advantage of.

Within a few moments, Williams' eye swelled up, and the decision for the Welshman to continue was well and truly out of his hands.

Why Smith won't be awarded interim title

But it wasn't all smiles for Smith, as the Scouser will not be awarded the interim title, due to failing to make the required weight.

There has been no comment yet from Smith's camp following the incident and allegations made from Williams' coach, Gary Lockett. Though there could be further repercussions for Smith for his actions made on Saturday night.