Just the start. That is the dream of Troy Williamson as he prepares for the biggest night of his career.
The rejuvenated 34-year-old is taking on Callum Simpson this evening for the Barnsley man’s British, Commonwealth and European super-middleweight titles at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds.
After the conclusion of the circus that was Jake Paul v Anthony Joshua in the early hours of Saturday morning in Miami (what a relief to see AJ getting the job done in six rounds), this tonight is the real deal.
Two Northern rivals are set to slug it out over 12 rounds with three belts on the line. And for those sat in the comfort of their own homes, it’s all free on the BBC on Boxxer’s second show of their deal with the corporation.
It’s a big deal for both combatants – Simpson at 29-years-old and with an 18-0 record is eying a world title shot in 2026 while Williamson is aiming to carry on from where he left off in Houghton in September, when he won the English super-middleweight title with a ninth-round stoppage of Mark Dickinson.
Having previously been the British light-middleweight (super welter to you young uns) champ it was his first taste of the super-middles and what a spectacular entrance.
And he told punch-lines that his night of glory will not be a one-off
“That was my first fight at 168, but I don’t think it was a great performance,” said the Darlington star. “Don’t get me wrong, I felt good but I do believe there is more to come.
“I’ve grown into the weight properly, I feel I’m going to be even stronger, faster and sharper this time.
“I knew there was a lot to come.
“I was at the wrong weight, and I knew when I moved up [to 168] that people would see the best in me.
“I’m a new version of Troy Williamson and I’m looking forward to getting this out of the way then really push on in 2026.”
Many had dismissed ‘Trojan’ that Autumn night against Dickinson after three losses on the spin, admittedly all against top drawer opposition, and four defeats in five bouts.
And many will have Williamson as the rank outsider again in Leeds, but that does not deter the Jordan Williams-trained boxer, who plans to upset the odds on a huge stage and live to the nation.
“It was nice to prove the doubters wrong,” he told punch-lines.
“I was written off by plenty of people then.
“Now, I’m only really just getting started at 168 and in 2026 I plan to really push on.
“It’s massive to be fighting on terrestrial TV, not everyone can afford DAZN, when millions could be watching me fight. I intend to put on a show.”
Simpson, who added the European title in the summer outdoors at Oakwell, the home of his beloved Barnsley FC, is expected to have a huge army of fans up the M1 in Leeds this evening.
But Williamson will have support too, and revealed he has sold tickets in Simpson’s home town!
“I’m from Darlington, but I’ve got fans from all over the North East, all over the country in fact.
“I’ve even sold tickets to people in Barnsley!
“There will be plenty of noise there for me as well.”
For those not at the First Direct Arena this evening the show will be screened live from 7.30pm on BBC Three.
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Chris Dean/ Boxxer
