Troy Williamson is determined his boxing journey will not end with the Lonsdale Belt.
Proud to be Darlington’s British title holder since Stuart Hall, the 30-year-old dreams of going all the way, like Stuey, and becoming world champion.
And Williamson intends to take a step in that direction by “becoming an absolute animal at 11 stones”, starting with his maiden defence of his light-middleweight crown in Newcastle on Friday, March 25.
Unbeaten ‘Trojan’ puts his belt on the line against Cheshire’s Mason Cartwright at Utilita Arena, where promoters Probellum also send Joe Maphosa, Pat McCormack, Lewis Ritson and Tommy Ward into battle.
Anyone who has caught sight of Troy on social media will have seen him looking in incredible shape and the unbeaten boxer, who boasts a record of 17 wins and a draw, puts that down to the work he has done with MTK Global nutritionist, Greg Marriott.
“I want to be a world champion, that’s my dream,” Williamson told punch-lines.
“At the moment I’m nowhere where I need to be.
“That’s why I’ve started working with Greg to elevate me to new levels.
“I’ve always been fit but my aim is to be an absolute animal at 11 stones.
“It’s been great working with Greg, using different supplements, different foods, and much more.
“All this, plus my skills and power and the work I do in the gym with my coach, Craig Carney, will transform me.
“I feel I’ve gone up a notch already.
“You only have to look at what Greg has done with people like Tyson Fury and Kell Brook.
“Look at how good Kell Brook looked against Amir Khan.
“People said he won’t make the weight, but he not only made the weight he looked super-strong.
“I’m looking forward to being the same and putting on a top performance on March 25.” Challenger Cartwright might have something to say about that of course.
The 29-year-old, from Ellesmere Port, has a 17-2-1 record with seven wins inside the distance.
“Mason is a good fighter,” said the title holder. “There are probably easier defences out there, but I don’t want easy fights, I want fights that will make me better and take me further.
“While I might now have a title, I’ll keep training as though I’m a contender.
“I’m preparing for the best Mason Cartwright on March 25.
“He’s a strong opponent with good power.”
It was power which took Williamson to the British title back in October with a ruthless 10th-round stoppage of defending champion Ted Cheeseman in Liverpool.
His first defence is certainly one to look forward to.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Mark Robinson/ Matchroom
