Conquest ready to conquer Williams in January

The British cruiserweight belt hasn’t been contested too often over the past few years. Rob Norton had been sitting on the championship belt since October 2008 and during that time he only defended twice so the chasing pack have been forced to wait patiently for their opportunities.

Leon Williams (9-3) finally deprived Norton of the title in October over twelve rounds in a dull affair that didn’t do much for the reputation of the belt.

Now the division is wide open and Leon has agreed to defend against unbeaten Tony 'The Conqueror' Conquest.

The Romford fighter could still be classed as a novice in the game and his shot at the British title comes in his ninth professional bout. In his last fight, he won the Southern area strap with a strong performance over Toks Owoh, which has boosted his confidence sky high.

“I learned a lot more about myself in that fight and I’m a lot more confident in my abilities now. He’s a really awkward fighter and some of the punches even though they don’t look good they still land. He was a strong fighter and took a lot of my shots.“

“I never act flash and mouth off before fights, it’s just not my style but I was very confident before the fight. I get into the ring with the mindset that I have to win and that’s they way I have always approached fights. I always push hard in the gym and keep very fit so I just knew I was going to win the Owoh fight. He had dismissed me before the fight so I felt I had a point to prove.“

Tony, who is trained by former British champion Jason Rowland, turned over into the pro game late in 2009 where his was handed a trio of tough fights to open his account with. He fought and beat Bobby Scott, Nick Okoth and John Anthony in the first six months of his career. It’s still early days in Tony’s career so getting rounds under your bet and gaining experience is crucial.

“I’ve still got a lot to learn, there’s loads of little things that still have to work on. I always watch my fights back but not to enjoy them, to try and pick up on any mistakes I might have made.“

“I felt comfortable and had no problems doing ten rounds for the first time. I seemed to get better as the rounds went on and managed to keep a good pace.”

Since his first set of fights Tony has shutout Hastings Rasani twice in six rounders and notched his second stoppage win over Prince George Akrong. Even though he's not knocking his opponents over like skittles, he’s not concerned about KO’s as long as he’s winning.

“People comment on me saying ‘he’s only stopped 2 out of 8’. I don’t have to go out there and stick my neck on the line trying to knock people out quick. I like to think I’m exciting enough to watch without knocking people out every fight. Tony Oakey and Nathan Cleverly weren’t stopping all their opponents in the early stage of their careers. I feel the stoppages will come as I move up the rankings and keep on improving.“

Every fighter starting out has ambitions to win the coveted Lonsdale belt. James DeGale is one of only a handful of boxers who actually positioned themselves for a shot at the title in under ten fights. Now Tony has secured his shot he realises what a great place has found himself.

“There’s not that many fighters who have boxed for the title in under ten fights. Every time I think about winning the title I have to calm myself down, I’m getting exited already. As long as it makes my mum and that proud I will be happy. I’ve always looked at the Lonsdale belt, and thought I want to win that. I know everyone says that they want to be a world champion, but I really think you should be the best in Britain before moving up.“

It’s no secret that Leon Williams and Tony have been friends for some time, but that hasn’t deterred Leon threatening to "crush" Tony through some recent press interviews. Trash talking is not part of Tony’s game, but he is 100% focused on taking the belt home when the pair meet at the York Hall on the 13th January.

“I know in my own head that I will win the fight. I know what I am capable of and if I didn’t think I was going to win there wouldn’t be any point in taking the fight.“

“We are quite good friends too.  We boxed each other in the ABA’s about seven years ago (which Williams won in the first round) and after that we made good friends. After January 13th we can renew that friendship, but until then it’s out of the window. I think it’s going to be a cracking fight, It’s certainly going to be a fight for the fans. Leon always comes out all guns blazing trying to knock people out and I like to box smart.“

Now the British cruiserweight title is in the possession of Williams, a young hungry fighter, we should be seeing the title being contested on a more regular basis. In the near future, boxing fans could be treated to some cracking match-ups, and Tony is more than happy to be in the mix.

“There’s some terrific other fighters coming through at the moment like Matty Askin and John Lewis Dickinson. Mitchell Balker is a good fighter, Danny Price has just turned pro and the Scottish lad Steven Simmons is handy too. It looks like its going to be an interesting time up in the cruiserweight division over the next couple of years and I’m very pleased to be involved.“