Troy Williamson is aiming to be the Christmas number one.
The Darlington fighter will certainly need to be on-song to end the unbeaten run of British, Commonwealth and European champion Callum Simpson on Saturday, December 20 in Leeds.
But the revitalised 34-year-old is determined to take home those two famous belts from the Barnsley star at the First Bank Direct Arena, live on the BBC.
Simpson boasts a mighty impressive record of 18-0, with 13 wins coming inside the distance, but ‘Trojan’ is ready to go to war in Yorkshire.
“Callum’s had a great run,” said Troy.
“But he’s never faced anyone like me. I’m gonna ruin his Christmas.
“I’ve been in big fights, I’ve been the champion, and I know what it takes.
“This is my opportunity to show that I’m number one and to take the belts home with me.”
It looks a brilliant event that BOXXER and their CEO Ben Shalom have engineered and it will be watched my millions on free-to-air television.
“Callum Simpson v Troy Williamson is exactly the kind of fight we want to deliver for a national BBC audience,” declared Shalom.
“It’s a massive 50/50 domestic title clash between two elite fighters at the top of their game.
“Leeds will be electric on December 20, and we’re excited to showcase these incredible athletes to a whole new generation of fans.”
Promoters have a skill at bigging-up their headline acts but this Yorkshire v Durham contest needs no selling.
Simpson is a man at the height of his powers and will relish this night to follow up on his 10th-round European title stoppage of Ivan Zucco at his beloved Oakwell in Barnsley at the end of June.
But he is matched with a man very much on a mission.
Williamson turned his career around in September with an explosive ninth-round stoppage of Mark Dickinson to become the English super-middleweight champion.
Behind on the scorecards, the Jordan Williams-trained fighter delivered a sledgehammer right to drop Dickinson, who bravely returned to his feet, only to be rescued seconds later by referee Reece Carter.
The event on Saturday December 20 has been titled “The Future Now” and marks the next chapter in the BBC’s partnership with BOXXER.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, said: “We are thrilled to bring another huge night of British boxing to the audience live and accessible across the BBC.
“Callum Simpson and Troy Williamson are two outstanding fighters and this will be a huge showcase for British boxing.
“BBC Three’s young audience loves live sport and this is exactly the kind of event that will capture the attention of new fans and create unforgettable sporting moments.”
Punch-lines though leaves the last word to the fella who will be the last man to enter the ring on December 20 – defending champion Simpson.
“Leeds is going to be bouncing with the Barnsley Army on December 20,” said Callum.
“Troy’s a tough fighter but this is my time and I’m ready to prove again why I’m one of the most exciting boxers in Britain right now.
“To headline live on the BBC is massive and we’re putting Yorkshire boxing back on the map at the same time.”
Words: Roy Kelly
