Now Matty conquers Wales and Scotland!
Matty Williams with Max McCracken after winning the Tri-Nations
HAVING conquered England, unstoppable super-heavyweight Matty Williams can now lay claim to Scotland and Wales.
The Birmingham City die-hard was crowned Tri-Nations champ on Sunday at Cardiff’s Sophia Gardens Sports Centre.
Williams, a product of Acocks Green ABC, struck gold by beating Scotland’s vastly experienced Mitchell Barton.
The first was close, then Matty’s remarkable engine went through the gears. He took over in the second and, in the last, Barton was given a standing count.
“It’s a very good scalp,” said Williams’ friend and advisor Max McCracken. “Barton beat last year’s elite champ Derek Osadolor in the same competition, so a very good win.
“It was a step-up in class – Mitchell Barton has been around a very long time.”
It says a lot for Williams’ status on the domestic scene that success was seen by many as a formality.
The 20-year-old, who stands 6ft 3ins and weighs 16-and-a-half stone, now wants to celebrate by walking on St Andrew’s turf on a match day.
“We’re working on it for the beginning of the season,” said Max.
Williams’ career steps to another level on June 10 when he undergoes assessment for a place with the full Team GB squad. There are those who feel that, too, is a formality.
McCracken stressed there’s much more to come from Matty.
“He’s yet to get his man-strength,” he said. “From the age of 20 to 23, you come on leaps and bounds.
“He’s just enjoying it – no nerves, with him it comes natural. He’s just a one off, the way he does things. It’s hard to keep him out of the gym. He has a great style, he’s a likeable lad, people will take to him.
“He is a real talent. I’ve seen him (sparring) with the top pros and he more than holds his own. And I think, with his engine, he will suit the pros – 10 rounds and he’s hardly breathing heavy.”
Williams has shown he’s the best on the domestic scene. Joining Team GB will give him the chance to show he’s the best in Europe, then the world.