Twins Academy, Trimdon. Sounds more like a fancy hairdresser than a place where you prepare to go to war.
Don’t get us wrong, its boss always looks a million dollars, but Jordan Williams’ Twins Academy, named in honour of his two daughters, is on battle stations for something special.
His most recent arrival, Troy Williamson, is challenging for the British, Commonwealth and European super-middleweight titles against defending champion Callum Simpson in Leeds this evening live on BBC TV.
Given Williamson’s appetite for a scrap, the 34-year-old could not have chosen a more fitting home following the end of his long and successful association with Craig Carney at the Phil Thomas School of Boxing in Middlesbrough.
Jordan is a trainer who turns out fighting men and women – ducking conflict is never an option.
“Definitely not,” he smiled, “I think it’s the culture we have created.
“I just think ‘what are you in boxing for?’
“I’m lucky that all the boxers I work with buy into that mantra, and they are willing to fight anyone.
“We’ve got a big task in front of us, but it’s one we’re going to take with both hands.”
Some in boxing talk the talk, but Williams and his squad are very much in the walk the walk category.
“Over the last year I think our gym has only been in big fights,” Jordan told punch-lines. “It’s a huge occasion, a massive night live on the BBC, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
The Twins record speaks for itself.
‘Punching Politician’ Adam Hepple lifted the Northern Area super-middleweight title in only his fourth bout before taking on Reece Farnhill, Brad Rea and Zak Chelli in top-line contests.
Kai Richmond and Billy Wade have had cracks at the Northern Area belt in only their fifth and fourth bouts and Dan English would have done so in his third contest had his opponent not pulled out.
In the summer, Jordan Barker-Porter went to France to challenge undefeated French number one Emilie Sonvico for the vacant European welterweight title.
Add in Ali Shah who lost a bid for the Commonwealth Youth title against Essex boy Arnie Dawson and you can see just how strong the desire is in the Co Durham gym.
On the subject of desire, it is a quality English super-middleweight champion Williamson possesses in bucket loads.
The 21-4-1 challenger will require it against Simpson, whose totted up 18 wins on the spin, with 13 inside the distance, two fewer than Troy.
Williams and Williamson have developed an instant relationship, evident in the ninth-round stoppage success against Mark Dickinson in September.
So how vital is that bond?
“Very important,” said Troy. “You have to put your full trust in your coach which I have done.
“It’s crucial that you have that close relationship.
“I was only with Jordan for six weeks and we pulled out that sort of performance so now we’ve been together months I’ve now adapted to how he coaches. It’s gone great.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Chris Dean/ Boxxer
