Williams ready for his British title defence (From Your Local Guardian)

Williams ready for his British title defence

3:34pm Thursday 12th January 2012 in Boxing By Graham Moody

Leon Williams goes into 2012 with one simple aim – to end the year in a better place than where he started it.

The Streatham boxer makes the first defence of his British Cruiserweight title tomorrow night against Shane McPhilbin, a late replacement for Tony Conquest who pulled out with shingles.

And, far from being nervous about the bout, Williams sees it as a simple stepping stone toward bigger things, namely Commonwealth and European title fights.

“This year, I want to win this British title outright by defending it three times,” said the 28-year-old.

“Then, I want to progress on to a bigger title, maybe the Commonwealth or European title.

“I am all about progression and being in a better place at the end of the year than when I started it.

“I am ambitious and I always want more.

“I want more boxing fights and I want more money.

“I do not care about media attention, that does not help me progress which is all I want, coming to the gym and training every day is what helps me.”

Williams won the belt by beating Rob Norton in October at York Hall in Bethnal Green, the same venue where he will come up against McPhilbin tomorrow.

The 25-year-old from Nottingham has won his last six fights, including beating Rhys Davies for the Midlands Area Cruiserweight title in June.

But Williams insisted the late change has not affected him and he needs to know little about McPhilbin to fight him.

“I am excited for the fight,” he added.

“I am British champion and I have got to defend my title – everyone wants to be where I am right now.

“The change in fighter does not affect me, as long as there is someone in front of me it doesn’t matter to me who it is.

“I know he is Shane McPhilbin and that is all I have to know, I will produce the goods on the night no matter who is there.

“Training has been going perfect and I am all ready, done and dusted.”

Tickets are still available from tkoboxoffice.com.