Troy Williamson and Kieran Smith will clash at the Copper Box Arena, Hackney, on April 30 in a final eliminator for a shot at the British super-welterweight title, won by Ted Cheeseman at the weekend.
Darlington’s Williamson (15-0-1, 11 KOs) outpointed Harry Scarff last August whilst Scottish southpaw Smith (16-0, 7 KOs) has been out of action since a November 2019 decision win over the previously unbeaten Vincenzo Bevilacqua.
The pair will meet on the undercard of Sunny Edwards’ IBF world flyweight title challenge against seasoned champion Moruti Mthalane, with Michael Conlan also in action against Romanian dangerman Ionut Baluta at super-bantamweight.
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.”
Smith added: “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.”
Cheeseman won the vacant British title with an exciting 11th round KO of James Metcalf at the weekend in Gibraltar.