Troy Williamson vents his frustrations at Callum Simpson
“The Trojan” Troy Williamson was left shocked and deflated after Callum Simpson and BOXXER activated their rematch clause, derailing his world title ambitions and costing him a place on this weekend’s Tyson Fury undercard against Simon Zachenhuber.
Troy has no doubt turned his career around after suffering three consecutive losses, which prompted his move up to super middleweight.
The 34-year-old began his resurgence in the 168lb division with a victory over Mark Dickinson for the English title. Then, after defeating Callum Simpson via TKO to claim the British, Commonwealth and European super middleweight titles, Troy was next in line to fight for a world title against Osleys Iglesias.
But after his former foe Simpson activated the rematch clause in their contract, Troy’s world title dreams were halted. As a result, he’s also had to vacate the European belt as the EBU forbid direct rematches, so Williamson-Simpson 2 will move on with the British and Commonwealth titles on the line.
Speaking to Rob Smith from Pure Digital PR, Troy voiced his frustrations with having to rematch someone who he has already beaten convincingly and how he felt his next fight should have been against Iglesias for a world title.
“Not many boxers get the opportunity to fight for a world title. I was next in line, let me go and fight for a world title.
“If Simpson is injured, or whatever, why can’t he make that date? Let me go and fight for a world title, and I’ll give you a defence for the title. I don’t see the harm; they’re obviously blocking me from getting that shot,” Troy accused.
Rematch clauses have become a big talking point in the world of boxing, as they’re increasingly common and are leading to situations like Troy’s that prevent certain fighters from progressing in their careers.
Troy went on to talk about the difficulties a boxer can face when they’re contractually obligated to fight someone who they have already beaten.
“It’s ridiculous, it’s frustrating! I could understand it if it was close, but he’s [Simpson] making a bad decision activating the rematch, because how can you come back off two back-to-back knockouts?” Troy stated.
Simpson is notoriously big for super-middleweight, and Troy believes it is in Simpson’s best interest to forget the rematch and move up in weight. “He’s in a similar situation as I was previously. He needs to move up; he’s too big for a super-middleweight.
“I don’t think that’s the reason why I won, I think I’m just a better fighter, but it played a part, because I know how much it takes out of you when you’re killing yourself to make the weight.
“It’s been five months since the first fight; it’s only going to get harder and harder for him to make the weight, so that’s why it won’t go past six rounds this time,” Troy predicted.
Despite the frustration of having to do the rematch, Troy said he is extra motivated to make a statement. “I need to make a bigger statement than what I did in the first fight, that is why it won’t go past six!”
When asked if the rematch, which has been spoken about to take place next month, is halting his momentum, Williamson said, “I’ll class this as my world title fight, because I know once I get rid of him, I’ll definitely get my world title shot after.”
The rematch between Williamson and Simpson does not yet have an official date, but Troy certainly seems motivated to make a statement and get his shot at a super middleweight world title.
