Back and eager to reassert his place at the top of the British light-middleweight division. Or super-welter if that’s your cup of tea.
That is Troy Willamson who fights in Belfast on Saturday night against unbeaten Irish prospect Caoimhin Agyarko.
It is a huge night for both men on the Matchroom event at the Odyssey Arena, where another extremely tasty Ireland/UK clash headlines between Michael Conlan and Jordan ‘The Thrill’ Gill.
For Agyarko, who has won all 13 of his contests (seven inside the distance) it could mean entry into the big league, while for ‘Trojan’ it is the opening back into the title scene.
Until losing his British championship derby to Josh Kelly, the Darlington was one of the country’s most-watchable boxers, having ripped the Lonsdale Belt from a great champ in Ted Cheeseman in a fight of the year contender and then defended it against Mason Cartwright in another belter.
He is still very watchable as he intends to prove.
“I’m firing on all cylinders,” Troy told punch-lines.
“I’m happy to be in a big fight on a big show.
“I’m injury-free for the first time in four or five years and looking forward to going there and getting the win.”
Whether Agyarko was trying to wind Williamson up or simply hasn’t done his homework, his comments in a recent interview that Troy hadn’t fought anyone have, not surprisingly, rankled.
“He’s talking complete nonsense,” said the 32-year-old. “I don’t think he knows what he’s saying.”
For the record, five of Williamson’s last seven bouts have been ‘real’ fights, those British title affairs with Kelly, Cartwright and Cheeseman, plus scheduled 10 rounders with recent British title challenger Kieran Smith and new British and Commonwealth champ ‘Horrible’ Harry Scarff.
Agyarko’s last outing was a good unanimous decision over ex-English title challenger Grant Dennis, recently stopped in Newcastle by Mark Dickinson, while he also outpointed former Polish contender Lukasz Maclec.
Those wins were achieved under Liverpool coaches Joe McNally and Declan O’Rourke and Williamson rates him though doesn’t feel he is in his league yet.
“He’s a good fighter,” said the Craig Carney-trained star. “He’s got fast hands and good reflexes.
“I don’t believe he’s fought at the level I’ve boxed at and he’s not been in with anyone at my level yet.
“This is a big step for him. There is a lot of pressure on him.
“I know he didn’t want the fight but he’s been pressured into taking it.
“With it being built up as his homecoming there’s a lot of pressure on him and I think he will fold.”
On the evidence of the Agyarko v Dennis contest, the Belfast fighter looks happy to plant his feet and let his hands go. But should he go on the move, Williamson is ready for that too.
“I think he’ll come and have a go,” said Troy, who has won 14 of his 20 victories early.
“Obviously that will suit me down to the ground.
“But if he goes on the backfoot we’ve worked on that scenario too – that’s why I’ve sparred Josh, so I’m ready to deal with a boxer with that style.”
Whatever Agyarko brings to the ring, Williamson appears ready. It should be a cracker.
Words: Roy Kelly
