Image Source: Patrick Stumberg
Key Takeaways
- Troy Williamson’s hopes of a title bout with Osleys Iglesias have been dashed due to a rematch clause with Callum Simpson
- Williamson had recently risen to no. 6 in the IBF rankings after an upset victory over Simpson
- Simpson’s team has activated their rematch clause, and the two will face off again in May
- Iglesias will now likely face Pavel Silyagin instead of Williamson
- Williamson’s career had been revitalized by a move to super middleweight, where he has had recent success
Introduction to the Situation
Boxing politics has once again played a significant role in shaping the career of Troy Williamson. As reported by BoxingScene, the IBF’s recent rankings update had placed Williamson at no. 6 at 168 pounds, thanks to his impressive upset victory over Callum Simpson. This ranking had put Williamson in line for a potential title bout with Osleys Iglesias, after several other top contenders, including Canelo Alvarez, Jaime Munguia, and Hamzah Sheeraz, had declined the opportunity. Williamson and his team had publicly expressed their desire to challenge Iglesias, but it appears that this will not be the case.
The Rematch Clause
According to Simpson’s promoter, Ben Shalom, the rematch clause in the contract between Williamson and Simpson has been activated, and the two will face off again in May. As Shalom told BoxingScene, "they’ve activated their rematch clause and will run it back in May." This news comes as a disappointment to Williamson, who had been looking to capitalize on his recent success and challenge for a title. The rematch clause has effectively dashed Williamson’s hopes of a title bout with Iglesias, at least for the time being. As one boxing fan noted, "Automatic rematch clauses when the A-side got whupped are stupid," highlighting the frustration that many feel with the current state of boxing politics.
Williamson’s Career Revitalization
Despite the setback, Williamson’s career has been revitalized by his move to super middleweight. After a 1-4 skid, which included a rout at the hands of Jahi Tucker, Williamson made the decision to move up in weight. This move has proven to be a successful one, as he has since claimed the English title with a finish of the overweight Mark Dickinson and followed that up with an impressive victory over Simpson. As Williamson himself noted, the move to super middleweight has been "just what the doctor ordered," and he will be looking to continue his success in the rematch with Simpson.
Iglesias’s Next Opponent
With Williamson no longer in the running, it appears that Iglesias will now face Pavel Silyagin, who is currently ranked no. 7 in the IBF rankings. This matchup will likely take place in the near future, although an exact date has not been announced. Iglesias, known as the "Cuban boogeyman," will be looking to continue his successful career, and a victory over Silyagin would be a significant step towards a potential title bout.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the world of boxing politics has once again played a significant role in shaping the career of Troy Williamson. Despite his recent success, Williamson’s hopes of a title bout with Osleys Iglesias have been dashed due to a rematch clause with Callum Simpson. While this news may be disappointing for Williamson and his fans, it is a reminder of the complexities and challenges of the boxing world. As one boxing expert noted, "it’s entirely possible that Williamson and his team knew the rematch was coming and never intended to challenge Iglesias," highlighting the strategic nature of the sport. Regardless, Williamson will be looking to continue his success in the rematch with Simpson, and Iglesias will be looking to take on Silyagin in the near future.
https://www.badlefthook.com/boxing-news/112540/callum-simpson-triggers-rematch-clause-denies-troy-williamson-title-fight
