Should Troy Williamson dethrone Mark Dickinson as English champion at Houghton-le-Spring it will do more than breathe new life into an already-proud career.
It will provide a shot in the arm to a team in which the willingness to fight is intrinsic to the entire gym.
Twins is the name and Trimdon its home.
It is the new HQ for Williamson, who had previously operated out of the Phil Thomas School of Boxing in Middlesbrough, where he and Craig Carney made such a formidable boxer/ trainer combination.
Saturday’s battle with Dickinson (8-1, 2KOs) at Rainton Arena looks compelling – a maiden defence for the former GB Boxing talent from a fighting family synonymous with winning against the Darlington fighter who still fully believes in his talent despite three straight defeats.
Williamson (20-4-1, 14 KOs) has slugged it out with Caoimhin Agyarko, beaten on a split decision in Belfast, before losing on a unanimous verdict to Ishmael Davis in Sheffield, while last time out he was defeated in Las Vegas against American Jahi Tucker.
‘Trojan’ will take on anyone and, in that regard, he has found a home from home in the gym of Jordan Williams.
His Twins boxers never shy away from a challenge. Ever. Seaham’s Adam Hepple has gone away to take on Reece Farnhill, Brad Rea and Zak Chelli, while Billy Wade fought for the Northern Area title in just his fourth bout and Kai Richmond his sixth. Ali Shah tackled Arnie Dawson for a Commonwealth Youth belt in his fifth contest while Jordan Barker Porter put in a tremendous performance in France in July before being knocked out in the last round by undefeated French talent Emilie Sonvico for the vacant European welterweight title.
“That’s the way we do things in this gym,” Williams told punch-lines . “We’ll get in and fight.
“This is one we’re really happy to be involved with and hopefully once we get this out of the way we’ll push on for the British title next year. That’s the goal.”
All the above have, unfortunately for Jordan, ended in defeat and some have been really big efforts, so should Williamson pull off victory it will be a popular one not just in the Trimdon villages but among neutrals too.
It will be intriguing to see just what Jordan brings to this Williams-Williamson equation – Troy’s passion for a full-on fight is without question.
Just look at the war he fought with that great warrior Ted Cheeseman to become British champion four years ago in Liverpool and remember how he climbed off the canvas to beat Mason Cartwright in his maiden defence in Newcastle.
However, he has joined Twins having lost his last three, giving Williams the challenge of making him a winner again and look to enhance the qualities he already possesses rather than rip up the Troy manual.
“Pretty much everyone else in the gym I’ve had from debut onwards,” said Jordan.
“Troy is someone who has been there and done it, so for me it’s been good to have worked with him and he’s lifted the gym as a whole.
“His willingness to adapt and change things here and there is something I’m really happy with.
“There have been no major alterations, just little tweaks here and there.”
Unbeaten Washington welterweight Pat McCormack’s fight with dangerous Mexican Miguel Parra is the headline attraction on the Matchroom event, but Dickinson v Williamson is a potential show-stealer.
“It’s a great fight – I think the big winners are the fans,” added Williams.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jason Corbett/ Mindenwood Photography
