TROY Coleman, one of the game’s true warriors – a road warrior at that, is candid about the title fight the Board of Control wants for him.
They called for defence of his Midlands middleweight crown against Baggies Bomber James Griffiths, but it does not stir excitement.
It is something that, frankly, doesn’t fit in with the Burntwood 30-year-old’s plans.
Therefore, he and Griffiths, who has won eight straight, is unlikely to happen.
“James is a good lad,” the man known as “The Hawk” said. “But I’m out for bigger opportunities. I want some of those good lads – and there are really good lads out there – to go for the Midlands title.
“I’ve kept hold of the belt because last time it landed me a big fight. I’d like to think I’m one good win away from a British title fight, but the good wins don’t come easy.
“I’m realistic. I’ll be thrown to someone expected to beat me. You’ve just got to ignore the noise and believe in yourself.”
There is rationale, not ego, behind Coleman’s decision. In April, Troy defended against white hot prospect Bradley Goldsmith and pulled off a seventh round victory no one saw coming.
On a huge, televised show, he registered a monumental upset.
Boxing is a business and Coleman wants to cash-in on that win. It is a performance with the potential to open doors to major, lucrative contests.
And Coleman deserves the rewards after a tough, roller-coaster 18 bout 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 thunderous punching Isaac Hardman Down Under.
He returned home last year, signed with BCB and became Midlands champ by outpointing unbeaten Tom Cowling on the prospect’s turf.
“I feel like I’ve been learning on the job,” Troy said. “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.”
The toughness gained during that apprenticeship proved vital in Coleman’s win over Goldsmith. He survived intense pressure and heavy punches to prevail.
“I wasn’t overly satisfied with the performance because I know I’m better than that,” he said. “It’s given me more of a self-belief because I wasn’t looking for the knockout punches, I was just letting my hands go. I’ve been at it since and know if I got a call I’d be ready in four weeks.
“I’ve come on a lot since my last win and ready for the next test.”
That test could be closer than fans think.
Coleman added: “Nothing confirmed, but there could be news coming soon. It’s a nice big one, and people will have their doubts. That’s the reaction that drives me on.”
