England v Scotland. It’s one of the oldest international duels on earth, whether it’s wars, football or rugby.
This is neither a war nor a contest involving a ball.
No, this is Troy Williamson v Kieran Smith, a fascinating contest inside the ring of London’s York Hall this Friday, April 30.
The pair put their unbeaten records on the line in a British light-middleweight championship eliminator on Frank Warren’s show, which will be transmitted live on BT Sport.
Each fighter possesses similar records, Williamson has 15 victories and a draw after 16 bouts while Smith has won all 16 of his paid appearances. Troy, from Darlington, is ahead on the stoppage stats, 11-7.
Both men have arrived at this very British bout having come down equally similar routes, Williamson having won and made a defence of his IBF European belt, with Smith lifting the WBC International Silver strap, defending it twice, against respected Mexican Ivan ‘The Terrible’ Montero and previously-unbeaten Italian, Vincenzo Bevilacqua.
“I think our careers have been on a pretty even keel,” Smith told punch-lines. “I think Troy’s tried to make out he’s boxed better opposition, but I’m not sure about that.
“I boxed Ivan Montero, who had only ever lost twice outside Mexico and they were to two world champions.
“We are probably at the same stage of our careers and it’s a great stage to cross paths.”
It certainly is.
Smith, from Greenrigg, a dot on the map halfway along the M8 between Glasgow and Edinburgh, is stepping out of his comfort zone this week – the 27-year-old has never boxed outside Scotland.
Not that it bothers him, nor does the Williamson record, though his respect for the Darlington 29-year-old is genuine.
“It’s a ring, it doesn’t matter where you put it,” said the southpaw, who represented his country at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. “It’s only me and Troy Williamson in it on Friday night.
“I train hard, Troy trains hard, there is respect there and let’s see who the best man is on Friday night?
“He’s pretty good and obviously carries a bit of power, but I truly believe I can outbox him and I’ll fight him if it comes to that.
“My style will be vital, but not as crucial as my tactics.”
Smith would appear to be at one significant disadvantage – the boxer known as ‘Chopper’ has not struck, nor received, a competitive blow since November 2019, when Bevilacqua was outpointed in Glasgow.
So how has his camp been?
“Brilliant,” he responded. “I couldn’t have asked for any better to be honest.
“I’m always in the gym, always sparring, but this is probably the best camp I’ve had the time to focus on my opponent and devise tactics and game-plans.”
Smith has prodded out an early southpaw jab to warn ‘Trojan’ not to look past him.
“He already seems to have the British title fight the way he’s been talking Ted Cheeseman and stuff like that,” he said.
“If Troy’s overlooking me, he’s making a massive mistake.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
