Close but no cigar. That was the story of Troy Williamson’s attempt at making a major breakthrough in the middleweight division on the Tyson Fury undercard.
Up against Jack Flatley at the Manchester Arena, the Darlington star was left frustrated to be awarded a draw after an eight-round war between the two unbeaten Northern rivals.
‘Trojan’ felled Flatley not once, but twice in the first round but could not quell the Bolton boxer known as ‘Quiet Storm’.
Flatley got up both times and battled his way back to a 76-76 share of the spoils from referee John Latham.
The pair served up an absolute treat so it was such a shame they were put on AFTER Fury’s victory over Sefer Seferi , who failed to climb off his stool ahead of the fifth round, and were untelevised.
There is nothing worse than having to box at the fag end of a show, when the crowd has thinned out and the TV people are packing away their gear.
Williamson and Flatley’s battle was fought out just about the time Cinderalla was ordering her taxi, but those who stayed in the venue were treated to a good old-fashioned tear-up.
Both have agreed they would be up for doing it again and, hopefully, if there is a next time they will get a proper slot and a title to box for.
Williamson took to Twitter to say he was as “sick as a chip” or words to that effect.
“Let’s do it again after the summer,” said the 26-year-old, pictured above after his recent stoppage win at the Dolphin Centre.
“I won that fight and everyone in there knows it.
“Some rounds were his some were mine, but [there was] only one winner.
“All you ever want is a fair shot.
“Jack was a tough kid, I hit him with some serious shots and put him over twice, but he’s dug in and showed he’s a warrior.
“We went hammer and tongs for eight rounds.”
Flatley too said he was up for a return.
“I said straight after let’s do it again,” the 23-year-old said in an interview with VIP Boxing Promotions after defying the odds by getting a result following two visits to the canvas.
“I’m a warrior, I’ve got balls.
“I thought I’d done enough to nick the rounds, but it is what it is, a draw.
“It was a close fight, I have to give respect to Troy, he stood and had a fight with me.”
Words: Roy Kelly
