Troi: the Burntwood middle who found title glory in Thailand
Troi Coleman…title defence this month could be a thriller
EVERY fighter’s career is an adventure, a journey pitted with highs and lows.
Troi Coleman’s career is more adventurous than most.
The Burntwood middle relocated to Thailand following his first loss – a third round stoppage to River Wilson-Bent for the Midlands title.
His career has blossomed in the Far East. He’s had six, won five and has claimed the WBA Asian Continental title.
On August 31, in Bangkok, The Hawk puts his belt on the line against Shiva Thakran. It looks a potentially dangerous defence: Thakran, from India, has won 17 of 22 (one draw) and stopped nine. He can evidently bang.
I still find the fact a lad from just outside Cannock – my old stomping ground – rules the Asian boxing scene.
Part of me envies the 28-year-old. He’s gathering a bucket-load of memories.
Back home, boxers and trainers may question the strength in depth among Thailand’s middleweight ranks: it’s a country know for producing much smaller champions.
But you can’t question the quality of Cuba’s Yan Marcos, considered one of the world’s best amateurs. Troi faced him in Dubai in March and fought well before dropping an eight round decision.
I spoke to Troi about his forthcoming defence against Thakran. He said: “The fight is in Bangkok Spaceplus Nightclub and camp has been brilliant.
“It’s actually the best camp I’ve had since being in Thailand in all aspects. I'm looking two times the fighter I was just in my previous bout.
“My opponent is experienced, fit and game - only one loss in six years, which came recently against the hard hitting South African fighter Emanny Kalombo for the IBF International title.
Poster for the Bangkok barnstormer
“A dominant performance against Shiva will put me in a good position for some big fights internationally or in the UK, so that's exactly what I’m looking at doing! Also I'm happy to fight at 154lbs (light-middleweight) with the right preparation. as I make 160 comfortably.”
Troi, now 11-2, will be remembered by West Midlands fans as an aggressive, hard-hitting middle. Trainer Peter Hickenbottom rated him highly.
Against Wilson-Bent, he was simply caught by the best punch thrown that year: I doubt River will land a better one. Boxing is a high risk business. It happens.
Speaking to me on Wednesday, Troi stressed he still wants a Lonsdale Belt.
He said: “I’ve still got ambitions to win a British title. My goal when turning over was to win one by the age of 30 and I just turned 28. I’d definitely be looking to achieve that.
“I'm just on loan learning my craft, but when I'm back I'll be ready for some big domestic fights.”
Troi made a brave and dramatic decision to continue his career in Thailand. It has worked and he says there are plenty of positives for other boxers considering a similar switch.
He added: “I mean, I have to thank God for putting me in the right place at the right time - it wasn't exactly planned.
“But, so far, the progression I have made- living and breathing non-stop boxing for over a year with coaches from all over the world and fighters from all over, it is paying off.
“There are so many talented boxers who fall short back in the UK. maybe they’re not ticket sellers or just juggling work and boxing.
“It's hard, so this just eliminates that, I suppose. All you need is self-belief and discipline. That can take you a long way in this sport and life in general, but we will see where I end up when it's all said and done.
“I cant talk about my Thailand story without mentioning my team at Tunal Academy and my manager, Baris Erdoğan. They have created opportunities for fighters all over the world and top coaches and we all just click through our love of boxing!
“And we really are from all over the world - Turkey, France, Uzbekistan, South Africa, Philippines, Belgium, Algeria, Ukraine and, obviously, me from the UK.”