Lockdown to knockdown. That’s the plan anyway for Troy Williamson in London on Saturday.
The International Boxing Federation’s European light-middleweight title holder is among the first wave of boxers back in the ring this summer.
‘Trojan’ will defend his belt against Harry Scarff in a mouth-watering match made by Frank Warren for the BT Sport-screened event in East London.
The unbeaten Darlington star had been due to out his title on the line against fellow unbeaten fighter Michael McGurk, only for the England-Scotland battle to fall through.
It led to an anxious wait for Queensberry Promotions to secure a replacement but, thankfully, the Derby boxer has agreed to step in.
Williamson is ahead of his challenger in career terms but hardly by a million miles.
Troy has 14 wins and a draw on his record while his rival, two years his junior, has chalked up eight wins from nine appearances.
But, there is a marked difference on the stoppage front – Scarff has won just once early, compared to 11 for Troy, including the last six on the spin.
A magnificent seven would be something to shout about, especially given Scarff has never been stopped.
The 27-year-old went the full distance with Anthony Fowler last November when he fought ‘The Machine’ for the World Boxing Association’s International light-middle strap in Liverpool, though he did visit the canvas in the penultimate round.
“He’s a good fighter,” Williamson told punch-lines. “He’s big for the weight and he’s awkward.
“If I can get him out of there that would be a big statement.”
It certainly would, given Scarff is not only no soft touch but he knows his way around the ring on big nights.
Previous to his first defeat against Fowler, he had beaten an old Williamson foe, Jack Flatley, to become the English champion (Jack and Troy had drawn in Manchester in the summer of 2018).
Williamson has 10 rounds in front of him and admits he may have to utilise them in order to get his man.
Patience is a virtue he might have to show on Saturday evening in Stratford, where Carl Frampton and Michael Conlan are also on the bill.
“I want to be the man at 11stone and I am confident I will beat anyone domestically,” said the Craig Carney-coached light-middle.
“I don’t go looking for power punches, if they come they come.
“Scarff is very awkward but he can be that all he likes because I’ve got 10 rounds to pin him down and I think I will in the later rounds.
“With the 10oz gloves on I just need to land because I punch very hard for my weight.“
The action is on BT Sport 2 from 8pm on Saturday.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
