English super-welterweight champion Sam Gilley is eyeing a showdown against British champion Troy Williamson – provided he can overcome Drew Brown on Friday’s huge #MTKFightNight.
This week’s stacked show is headlined by a British and Commonwealth lightweight title fight between Gavin Gwynne and Luke Willis and takes place at York Hall in London, and will be broadcast live in the US on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and worldwide on IFL TV.
Gilley (13-1, 6 KOs) is making the first defence of his English title when he goes up against undefeated Brown (12-0, 1 KO), and the reigning champion hopes that a victory can lead to a crack at the British title next.
Gilley said:“Winning the English title meant absolutely everything to me, as my desire to be a professional boxer started from when I was 11. I’ve always had the same goal and when I turned professional I wanted to do it step by step.
“I wanted the Southern Area, then the English, and then the British. I won the English title on three weeks’ notice, and that was special. I’ve been able to say I’m the champion of England, and next I’d love the British title.
“I always said I want to go the traditional route, and if I win the British title after this, then that’s the full collection at domestic level, so that would be great.
“First it’s Drew Brown though, and that’s where my focus is. He’s taller than me, and it’s the first fight I’ve had where that’s the case. It will be a feeling out process for about 30 seconds or so, and then we’ll go to work.
“I think we’ll get the stoppage. Me and my trainer Rod Julian have put together a good game plan, and I think my experience will tell on the night.”
Elsewhere on Friday’s card, Nina Hughes takes on Bec Connolly, plus Sultan Zaurbek, Pierce O’Leary, Carl Fail, Elliot Whale, Dean Richardson, Paul Ryan and Jimmy Croxson are all in action.
