The Tribune

RASHIELD Williams took on a new opponent on short notice and suffered his first loss at the professional level in over two years.

Williams suffered a loss via split decision to Elijah Flores Saturday night on the BoxLab Promotions card at the Caribe Royale Center in Orlando, Florida.

Flores outscored Williams 58-56, 56-58 and 59-55 to win the welterweight bout.

Williams, 33, was originally scheduled to face undefeated Jeovanny Estela (9-0, 3KOs) in a six-round bout, while Flores, 18, was scheduled to face Dylan Hale.

Williams’ last loss at the professional level also came via a split decision, at the hands of Javaune James in March 2019 at the Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort in Miami, Florida.

The veteran welterweight now has a record of 6-2 with 5KOs. Prior to this weekend, he last appeared in the ring with a TKO win over Daniel Arriaga on September 17 at the Alessi Fitness Gym in Tampa, Florida. He began 2022 with a TKO win over Daniel Molina on January 28 at the Hialeah Park Racing & Casino in Hialeah, Florida.

In August, Williams returned to the national team level and represented the Bahamas at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England.