Queensberry’s April 30th show on ESPN+ and BT Sport, headlined by Moruti Mthalane vs. Sunny Edwards and also featuring Michael Conlan vs. Ionut Baluta, officially became a tripleheader yesterday when BT Sport revealed a British super welterweight eliminator between Troy Williamson and Kieran Smith.
As the Tweet states, the winner gets next crack at Ted Cheeseman, who’s coming off a terrific stoppage of JJ Metcalf last weekend.
The 29-year-old Williamson (15-0-1, 11 KO) will be looking to regain momentum after a tough decision win over Harry Scarff, which snapped a six-fight stoppage streak. “Chopper” Smith (16-0, 7 KO), meanwhile, makes his first appearance since a November 2019 decision over unbeaten Italian Vincenzo Bevilacqua.
Troy Williamson said: “It is a good fight and he is a good fighter. It is one I am taking very seriously and I can’t wait to get the ball rolling.
“It is a big fight, with a lot at stake being a final eliminator for the British, and there is a bit of beef behind it because I beat him as an amateur back in 2015. It was in the Tri-Nations semi-final and it was a close-ish fight so there is a bit of history there.
“I’ve not seen much of his pro career but I know he is ranked above me in the Boxrec ratings and I respect him as a fighter. I agree with him that he has been avoided but I also think I am myself.
“This will be just the start and where I will announce myself on the big stage.”
Kieran Smith said: “I am very excited to be back out in a big fight, and on a big show on BT Sport. The last 18 months has been frustrating for me as it has been for many, but I’m here now and ready to kick on.
“It’s a shame we can’t get fans in for this one but I’m used to fighting in empty halls as it’s what we all did as amateurs on national teams all over the world.
“With this being a final eliminator for the British title, the plan is to win this and then push on for that belt. The super-welterweight division is thriving at the moment and there are so many big domestic fights.
“It’s just one step at a time though, my full focus is on beating Troy.”
Three well-matched fights on a Friday? Sign me the hell up.