Troy Williamson has promised to implement a new strategy against Callum Simpson, this time expecting to stop his domestic rival in more emphatic fashion.
The Darlington man stunned many with his performance last December, scoring four knockdowns en route to a 10th-round stoppage of Simpson.
Yet despite applying such a successful gameplan the first time around, Williamson remains acutely aware that the element of surprise has now come to pass.
The ‘Trojan’ has therefore told Boxing News that, in their rematch on August 8, he must adjust his tactics in order to give Simpson another rude awakening at Leeds’ First Direct Arena.
“We’ve got a different plan. We know he’s not going to approach the fight the same way but, if I execute my gameplan, the fight won’t go past six rounds.”
When considering his opponent’s gameplan, Williamson suspects that he, too, will need to be prepared for a different style of fighter.
This is partly because Simpson has joined forces with esteemed coach Rob McCracken, perhaps looking to produce a more technical performance than just simply relying on his size and engine.
If that proves to be the case, then Williamson says he should have no trouble gunning his man down with effective aggression.
“He’s come out and said he’s going to box long, but it doesn’t matter who he goes with – the best coach in the world wouldn’t be able to teach him how to box.
“You’ve either got it or you don’t, and Callum’s not a natural boxer. He’s someone that comes forward and throws loads of punches, so I think jabbing on the backfoot will be his downfall.”
While believing he is the technically superior fighter, Williamson also takes confidence from his opponent’s expected struggle to make 168lbs.
Having previously campaigned at super-welterweight, the 34-year-old is all too familiar with the impact that boiling down to an unnatural weight can have on a fighter’s performance.
“I said weeks before the [first] fight that I would knock Callum out. I just believe I’m a better fighter, and I don’t think Callum’s the same fighter he was two years ago.
“I genuinely thought it would be much tougher – that he’d throw a lot more punches and be a lot fitter – but I felt him fade in round five or six.
“The weight’s caught up with him, just like it did with me at 154lbs. So taking this rematch is a big mistake; it’s going to be hard for him to rebuild following back-to-back knockout losses.
“I stuck around at 154lbs for the opportunities, and I think that’s what he’s doing [at 168lbs]. I think he’s being badly managed and badly promoted – [Boxxer promoter] Ben Shalom’s throwing him to the wolves for another big payday.
“You’re half the man you are when you’re taking all that weight off.”
While focused on the task at hand, Williamson hopes a world title shot can emerge after the Simpson rematch.
And, interestingly enough, he is now sharing a gym with fellow contender Jacob Bank, who he spars and trains alongside under the tutelage of head coach Jordan Williams.
This should therefore make for a fascinating dynamic, with both super-middleweights targeting a major title opportunity.
