Travis Waters has looked championship-ready for some time and that moment is now close.
Birthday boy Travis is lined up to challenge for the English welterweight title in early 2026, when he will tackle the winner of the November 29 showdown between current holder Bobby Dalton and Joel Kodua.
It is exciting news for the Sunderland star, who will enjoy a tune up this weekend when he faces Colchester’s Ryan Frost over six rounds at Rainton Arena on Saturday night.
‘Smash Time’ has racked up an 11-0 record with five of the Tenacity star’s wins coming inside the distance.
Coaches Anth Kelly and John Stubbs feel the exciting southpaw is a champion in waiting and can’t wait for the big night to come.
“It has definitely been coming for a while,” Stubbs told punch-lines on the eve of Saturday’s VIP show at the Houghton venue.
“Travis should have had something at the start of this year.
“Now it looks like it’s going to be early next year. Sometimes things don’t align as you like them to but we know Travis will fight the winner of Bobby Dalton and Joel Kodua.”
Dalton v Kodua had originally been scheduled for THIS Saturday in Derby as part of BBC TV’s return to live professional boxing coverage.
Bobby’s maiden defence is part of the undercard to the British heavyweight title fight between Frazer Clarke and Jeamie TKV, which has been delayed until Saturday, November 29 after TKV suffered an injury in training.
Undefeated Redcar favourite Dalton won the belt in July in Stoke-on-Trent when he outpointed Ben Vaughan, from Northampton, in a 10-round classic. That extended Dalton’s winning streak to 11, while Kodua, from Dagenham, boasts a 9-0 fight-log.
Stubbs expects Waters to be challenging Dalton in a Wear-Tees derby.
“Bobby Dalton wins every day of the week for me to be honest,” said the Tenacity coach.
“It would be nicer for us if it was Kodua because, no disrespect to Joel, that would be an easier fight.
“I just think Bobby is going to be too much for him.
“Don’t get me wrong, I believe Travis wins against Bobby too, but it’s a harder tak.
“Dalton v Waters will be an absolute war.”
The pair have ‘history; in the amateur ranks, when Travis was boxing for Sunderland ABC and Bobby wore Redcar ABC vest.
“They fought four times in the amateurs – three-rounders and all close, competitive bouts,” said Stubbs. “But that doesn’t mean we’ll be taking anything for granted.”
On that very subject of not taking anything for granted, the Tenacity team will have their eyes focused on Saturday’s six-round match with Frost.
The Colchester southpaw, a winner last time out in Cannock in early September cannot be overlooked, especially when you consider he boxed last month while Waters has not fought since early May.
“Travis needs this to blow the cobwebs off,” said Stubbs. “It’s his first fight for six months.
“He’s had a bit of time away from the gym. His dad had been having some treatment and it’s nice to see him on the mend.”
Waters turned 29 today (Friday) and a 13 th successive pro victory will be the icing onm the cake.
“I’m sure he’ll be celebrating after the fight,” smiled Stubbs.
Waters v Frost will be part of a 10-fight programme as VIP make their third visit to Co Durham this year.
Words: Roy Kelly
