Troy Williamson hopes it is not too long before he is in the thick of the middleweight championship scene – and a re-match with Jack Flatley.
The undefeated Darlington fighter has the perfect stage to showcase his talents this Saturday – the First Direct Arena in Leeds.
‘Trojan’ has an eight-round international encounter with former Nicaraguan champ Edwin Palacios on the show topped by the world title confrontation between Josh Warrington and Kid Galahad.
The event, screened live by BT Sport, is the perfect platform for Troy who is desperate to get another crack at his old amateur and now professional rival, Flatley.
Almost a year ago to the day, the pair fought out a eight-round war in the aftermath of Tyson Fury’s comeback fight at the Manchester Arena.
Williamson sent Flatley to the canvas twice but the Bolton man got up on both occasions and battled back to snatch a draw.
“It has been frustrating,” said the 27-year-old who has won all three bouts since that 76-76 result.
“I’ve been getting the wins but I now want to be reaping the rewards.
“I always put in 100 per cent no matter who I’m fighting, whether it’s a journeyman or not.
“You can only beat what’s put in front of you, but I do feel more than ready now to be in title fights.
“Plenty of people said I won against Jack but that’s now in the past.
“He’s just won the English title so it makes sense for it to happen again.
“Hopefully we’ll get it on. I am 100 per cent ready for title now – I just need the opportunity now and then grads it with both hands.”
Not that the MTK-managed boxer will be taking Palacios lightly.
The 31-year-old has a 12-8-1 record with eight of his victories coming inside the distance.
Williamson, pictured with coach Craig Carney (left) and cornerman, Tom Binns, following a two-round pummelling of Ionu Illie last time out in Newcastle, has won seven of his 10 successes without the need of a referee’s scorecard.
It is some show Frank Warren is staging at the First Direct Arena.
The Leeds v Sheffield IBF world featherweight title clash between Warrington and Galahad is a beauty while two vacant Commonwealth belts are on offer as James Metcalf and Jason Welborn meet at light-middle and Zelfa Barrett and Lyon Woodstock collide at super-feather.
Words: Roy Kelly
