Christmas is around the corner and so too is an even bigger cracker: Troy Williamson v Josh Kelly.
Just five Fridays from now, two of the North-East’s fighting greats will collide at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle for the British light-middleweight championship. Or super-welterweight if you are under 50!
Who will win Darlington v Sunderland on Friday, December 2? Well, that’s the 64,000 dollar question. If you have the answer then please share it with us.
The bookmakers, who tend not to be too far away, can’t separate them, with the majority having each man at 10/11.
Whatever the odds, there is one thing certain in all this, it’s an absolute belter between two of Britain’s best at 154lbs, both of whom have aspirations at world level, and rightly so.
They came face to face this week in London, something of a bizarre location given that they will be fighting on Tyneside, but who are punch-lines to question it?
Talking of the bizarre, much of the preliminaries to this mouth-watering derby have not been over their respective abilities, which are considerable, but squabbles over football and who supports who and how much.
A shame, given they go back a long way, may be more friendly than friends, but this fight surely sells itself?
When they met at Glaziers Hall in the capital this week, talk switched to retirement, with each threatening to end the rival’s career, defending champion Troy delivering his prediction just moments after saying ‘Pretty Boy’ was not finished.
“I think Josh has had a good ride, and I don’t think he’s anywhere near done regardless of some people saying he might be,” said the undefeated ‘Trojan’ (pictured left with promoter Kalle Sauerland in the middle).
“He’s still only a young lad. He had a lot of hype about him at the start of his career, but I don’t think he’s propelled as much as people thought he was going to.
“Now he’s fighting for the British title, and it’s time for me to end his career. I do believe that I will do that.”
His 28-year-old opponent sees things differently.
“That British title is something that means a lot to anyone in this country,” said the former European title challenger.
“My eyes are also on the big, world titles as well so to get there you have to beat the likes of Troy Williamson,” he said.
“Ending my career? No that can’t happen. I’m only 28-years-old and I’m still young in this sport and Troy is older, so me winning this British title could be the flip side of what he sees and I could be the one who ends his career.
“Where is he going after I take that title?
“There are not many options for him, and it’s going to be an enjoyable night for me, let me tell you.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Leigh Dawney/Wasserman Boxing
