Troy Williamson is treating Callum Simpson rematch as a world title fight
‘Trojan’ Troy Williamson, 34, had recently rebuilt momentum in the super-middleweight division following a difficult run earlier in his career.
His move up to 168lb proved highly successful, beginning with an impressive win over Mark Dickinson to secure the English title.
He then went on to defeat rival Callum Simpson in December via TKO, claiming the British, Commonwealth and European titles in the process.
That victory had positioned Williamson as a leading contender for a world title shot against IBF and IBO champ Osleys Iglesias. However, Simpson’s decision to enforce the rematch clause has delayed that opportunity, with the pair now set to meet again.
Due to EBU regulations preventing immediate rematches for the European title, Williamson has vacated the belt, meaning the upcoming contest will instead be for the British and Commonwealth titles.
Speaking to Rob Smith from Pure Digital PR, Troy voiced his frustrations with having to rematch someone who he has already beaten 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.
“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 said.
Troy went on to talk about the difficulties a boxer can face when they’re contractually obligated to fight someone who they have 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 believed it was in Callum’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 [Simpson] 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 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 claimed.
Despite his frustration in waiting to do battle again, 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 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.”
