Talk about a fight to get excited about. Troy Williamson v Josh Kelly is as big a confrontation as the North-East has seen.
Certainly in this century as the neighbours and old friends, now rivals, prepare to clash for Williamson’s British Light-middleweight title, or super-welter if you are one of the trendy set.
It’s all agreed apparently, the boxers are up for it, it’s ON and will be live and free on our TV screens on Channel 5 and being staged on our doorstep.
To say it’s a huge occasion barely does it justice.
It’s a career-defining fight for both boxers, who are each aiming for world honours in the next 12 months.
Williamson (pictured) is a man on the up, having ripped the Lonsdale Belt from the grasp of Ted Cheeseman in one of the fights of 2021 and then defended it against Mason Cartwright in Newcastle in March in yet another thriller.
‘Trojan’, who boasts an impressive record of 18 wins and a draw (13 of those Ws coming inside the distance) has established himself as a British light-middle/ super-welter to watch.
A man to watch has always been a label to attach to ‘Pretty Boy’, the Olympian turned pro with a gloves down, quick, slick hands style very pleasing on the eye.
The Sunderland star is a man on the way back – back from a six-round stoppage defeat to the relentless David Avanesyan for the Armenian’s European championship in February 2021.
Having left Eddie Hearn after 12 wins, a draw and that solitary defeat, the 28-year-old joined forces with Wasserman who have taken up the boxing slot on Channel 5.
There is a lot to lose here for Kelly. Should he lose to the unbeaten Darlington crowd favourite, the route back might be very difficult.
Having said that, the gains are mammoth.
Victory would catapult Josh into the world elite given Troy’s current standings (WBO 6, IBF 10, WBA 11) with the Adam Booth-trained boxer’s only top 15 position being 11 with the WBO.
Overall though it is simply a great match and fantastic to see two boxers willing to put it on the line as opposed to avoiding each other.
Williamson must clear a hurdle first, having been added to the bill at Bolton this Saturday when Wasserman and Channel 5 serve up their latest offering.
The 31-year-old is matched with David Benitez at the Reebok, the Argentine bringing an 8-7 record to Lancashire for their eight-rounder.
“Everyone knows I’ve got my sights set on a fight with Josh Kelly and so this contest in Bolton on Saturday night is the perfect opportunity to sharpen my tools,” said the Craig Carney-trained warrior.
“I have no doubt that Josh will be watching my performance closely and I can’t wait to get back in the ring and fight for the first time since my British title defence in March.”
Once Saturday night is done and dusted we will surely learn more. These are exciting times.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Wasserman Boxing
