Troy Williamson believes his first fight of 2021 will be the cue to announce his arrival “on the big stage”.
The unbeaten Darlington boxer is to take on fellow undefeated fighter Kieran Smith in a final British light-middleweight championship eliminator in London on Friday, April 30.
Williamson could be back at the scene of his first title success if the contest takes place at the Copper Box Arena, where he won the IBF European belt with a 10th-round stoppage of Dario Socci in December 2019.
‘Trojan’ has made one successful defence since, a 10-round points verdict over Harry Scarff back in August at the famous York Hall, the other potential venue.
This is, however, different gravy. Victory over Smith would give the MTK 29-year-old a shot at winning the British title, with the famous Lonsdale Belt currently in the possession of Ted Cheeseman following his victory in Gibraltar last weekend.
For Williamson the fascinating BT Sports-screened England v Scotland showdown could be pivotal to his career.
The pair have similar records – Troy has 15 wins and a draw in his 16-bout career while Smith has won all 16 of his paid appearances although the Scot trails 11-7 on the stoppage stats.
“It is a good fight and he is a good fighter,” said the Craig Carney-coached talent.
“It is one I am taking very seriously and I can’t wait to get the ball rolling.
“It is a big fight, with a lot at stake being a final eliminator for the British, and there is a bit of beef behind it because I beat him as an amateur back in 2015.
“It was in the Tri-Nations semi-final and it was a close-ish fight so there is a bit of history there.
“I’ve not seen much of his pro career but I know he is ranked above me in the Boxrec ratings and I respect him as a fighter.
“I agree with him that he has been avoided but I also think I am myself.
“This will be just the start and where I will announce myself on the big stage.”
It is certainly a big stage for the Frank Warren-managed fighter given the prestigious nature of the bill.
Londoner Sunny Edwards will challenge South Moruti Mthalane for the IBF world flyweight crown while the promotion marks the opening appearance of the year for unbeaten Irish star Michael Conlan against Spanish-based Romanian Ionut Baluta.
For Smith this represents a welcome chance to get his career moving after 16 months of inactivity following his WBC International Silver title defence against undefeated Italian Vincenzo Bevilacqua in Glasgow in November 2019.
Smith said: “I am very excited to be back out in a big fight, and on a big show on BT Sport.
“It’s a shame we can’t get fans in for this one but I’m used to fighting in empty halls as it’s what we all did as amateurs on national teams all over the world.
“With this being a final eliminator for the British title, the plan is to win this and then push on for that belt. The division is thriving at the moment and there are so many big domestic fights.
“It’s just one step at a time though, my full focus is on beating Troy.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
