Troy Williamson has delivered the most chilling warning that the ‘Trojan’ is ready to conquer Britain.
The 29-year-old won a shot at the British light-middleweight title after a brutal sixth-round stoppage of Kieran Smith in their final eliminator in London on Friday night.
It was not just the result which will make his rivals sit up and take notice, it was the devastating way he defeated the previously-unbeaten Scot inside the York Hall.
The Darlington boxer drove a powerful right bang onto the chin of his opponent who fell back towards the ropes where two head combinations and three thumping rights sent him to the canvas.
It was a ruthless finish and an excellent piece of refereeing by Bob Williams who recognised Kieran was already ‘out’ and did not even start a count, allowing the medical team to get in the ring without delay.
Thankfully, following treatment, the 27-year-old was able to congratulate the winner who soon told BT Sport’s viewers that HE is THE next man in line to fight for the British championship, a belt currently in the hands of Londoner Ted Cheeseman.
“That was a big statement,” said the Craig Carney-trained fighter after the 12th stoppage in 16 wins.
“I’ve just won the final eliminator for the British title so I want the British title next.
“I’ve just shown there that I am capable of mixing it with anybody.
“I’m very capable of besting any of them on my day.
“I’m in the sport to have these type of fights – I am ready now. I’m always in the gym and I live the life.”
It would not be unfair to say Friday night’s England v Scotland battle of the undefeated light-middles at Bethnal Green was hardly a contest of beauty and that’s no reference to the appearance of two fighters who looked in prime shape.
While it was not the tidiest, it was certainly an intriguing affair as the shorter orthodox Williamson attempted to put the taller southpaw under pressure.
‘Trojan’ certainly pressed and probably landed the better of what punches were thrown in the first, but Smith proved more than worthy of his place in the eliminator thereafter with some skilled, clean work.
But Williamson maintained his front-foot approach yet showed patience and waited for the opening which came in the sixth, with the end coming at the one minute, 28 seconds mark.
“I’d trained for 12 hard rounds because I know what an exceptional talent Kieran is,” added Troy. “I thought I hurt him in the first round, but my coach said that it’s a 12-round fight, don’t rush it, pick my shots, and that’s what I done.”
In the main event, Sunny Edwards produced a “masterclass” according to promoter, Frank Warren, to outpoint dangerous South African, Moruti Mthalane, to become IBF world flyweight champion, while in the chief support, there was a points win for Ireland’s Michael Conlan against respected Spanish-based Romanian, Ionut Baulta.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
