Troi’s back in the UK and hungry for titles

Troi Coleman…his Thailand title adventure is at an end

TROI Coleman, the fighter who moved to Thailand and claimed international belts, is back in the UK and looking for a manager.

The middleweight returned to Burntwood, Staffordshire, for family reasons at the beginning of the year and has been ticking over at his old Platinum amateur boxing club under the guidance of Ste Cadman and Lee Goodwin.

Globe-trotting Troi will travel to Uzbekistan on March 22 for a training camp, then base himself for good over here.

The 28-year-old plans to slim down to light-middle, return to action in the summer and has already revealed one name on his wish-list of opponents – Coventry’s outspoken Ashlee Eales.

“He has some skills, but it’s a fight I’ve wanted for some time,” Troi said.

His Thailand adventure and the belts collected should make “The Hawk” a very marketable commodity on the domestic scene.

After being stopped by River Wilson-Bent for the Midlands middleweight title back in 2020, Troi made his boxing base in Thailand.

He had eight fights while based in the Far East, won two Asian continental title, faced a former Cuban amateur great in Dubai and, last time out, was stopped by thunderous punching Isaac Hardman in Australia.

It’s certainly been a journey of considerable air miles.

Troi stressed he has benefitted from the Thai experience, is a better fighter for it, but now is the right time to come home.

“Win or lose the last fight, I knew I had reached the point where I knew it was not going to take me any further in regard to what I want to achieve,” he said.

The landscape had changed. Coaches Troi had worked with left the gym and internal problems surfaced.

“It got to the point where I realised I had to put myself in the best situations to get the fights I want,” he said.

“The experience has been great for me. As a boxer, as a person, it was great. The people I met over there – it has been really amazing.

“I’m not going to downgrade the experience. The UK will see the difference it has made because I don’t think they (fans) have seen the best of me.”

Troi has lofty ambitions, but won’t turn his nose up at a Midlands title shot.

“The goal turning pro was to be a British champion before the age of 30,” he said. “I’m in a good position.

“I’m confident in myself and believe in myself. I have to sort out a manager for myself and get my licence sorted.

“I’m 14th on BoxRec (rankings) and I think I’ll drop down to super-welter (light-middle) because I’ve been making the middleweight limit quite easy.

“I’m going to take my time, I don’t mind fighting for a Midlands title. I’ve proved I don’t care who I fight – anyone who’s got it, I’ll want it.”

Troi added: “I can’t mess about. Whoever has got whatever title, I’ll call for the fight and make it happen.”