GLOBETROTTING Troy Coleman believes in taking risks, rolling the dice.
While others bolster their unbeaten records with undemanding contests, Coleman seeks exciting, dangerous encounters. “The Hawk” is old school.
On Matchroom’s huge June 6 world title bill at Sheffield Arena, the former Midlands champ bags another barnstormer.
The Burntwood crowd-pleaser faces Coventry’s equally exciting Aaron Bowen over 10 rounds. This one has to produce fireworks.
For former outstanding amateur Bowen, it’s a shot at redemption. After notching-up seven wins, he lost a thriller by split decision to Tom Cowling for the Midlands belt. For 30-year-old Coleman, who based himself in Thailand to capture international belts, it’s another big time opportunity, another test.
Troy summed-up his fighting philosophy in a recent interview: “I don’t fear anyone. I’ll always give them respect, but I don’t give them the credit to beat me until they beat me. I still believe I can beat the good lads on a good night.”
His willingness to gamble has resulted in highs and lows. In 2023, he dared to travel to Australia and face feared puncher Issac Hardman. Troy was stopped in the fifth.
Last year he shared the ring with unbeaten knockout artist Jimmy Sain for the English belt and again fell short.
But there have also been memorable nights. Against all odds, he halted Bradley Goldsmith in a war. That was a truly remarkable result, the best of his 20 bout career.
Troy travelled to Dubai and performed gallantly before dropping the decision to Yan Marcos, one of the world’s best amateurs.
And let’s not forget he beat Tom Cowling – he beat him on his own turf to become Midlands champion.
Coleman deserves the rewards after a tough, roller-coaster career. Back in 2020, River Wilson-Bent ended his first bid for the Midlands title, uncorking a devastating right hand in the third.
After that, Troy rebuilt his career in Thailand, won Asian titles before being stopped by Hardman Down Under.
He returned home in 2024, signed with BCB and became Midlands champ by outpointing unbeaten Cowling in Grantham.
Coleman was back in Bangkok for his last contest – a second round demolition of Nay Myo Htoo, unbeaten in five before the clash.
Troy told me: “I’ve done things the hard way, but it’s led me to where I want to be. There are no regrets – I don’t believe I’d be doing what I’m doing now if I’d gone down a different path.”
He believes the switch abroad forged a better fighter, insisting in 2024: “The experience has been great for me. As a boxer, as a person, it was great. The people I met over there – it has been really amazing.
“I’m not going to downgrade the experience. The UK will see the difference it has made because I don’t think they (fans) have seen the best of me.”
