Ahmet Patterson withdraws from Liam Williams bout after 'brick attack'

Ahmet Patterson (right) has won all 17 of his professional contests

Ahmet Patterson has withdrawn from his British super-welterweight title bout against Liam Williams, saying he was attacked with a brick while training.

The 29-year-old says he was stopped by a gang while running in London, leading to injuries to his head and right eye.

"As I ran around them one of the men struck me in the face with a brick and we got in a scuffle," said Patterson.

British champion Williams, 24, will now meet Hungary's Gabor Gorbics at Cardiff's Motorpoint Arena on Saturday.

Patterson said he was "absolutely gutted" to miss out on a "fantastic opportunity".

"I was doing my road work when I noticed a group of men gathering on the pavement around 50 yards in front of me," he said.

"I tried to run around them but they moved in front of me and blocked my path. Once my injuries have healed hopefully I'll get another crack at the Lonsdale belt."

Patterson posted an image showing the injuries which have ruled him out of a British title shot

Promoter Frank Warren told BBC Sport the postponement was "a great shame" for both fighters.

He added: "Hopefully Ahmet sorts himself out and he can continue his career in the new year. I hope they catch the people who did this."

Welshman Williams and Londoner Patterson were scheduled to put their undefeated records on the line. Liam Smith, who lost his WBO light-middleweight title to Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez in September, was hopeful of meeting the victor.

The vacant WBO European super-welterweight title will now be on the line when Williams, who has not lost in 16 fights as a professional, faces 29-year-old Gorbics, who has 22 wins and four losses.

Liam Williams (left) could now be the target for recently dethroned world champion Liam Smith