Gunnedah-based boxer Matthew Williams won the New England junior heavyweight title as he competed in last Saturday night’s RISE Future Stars boxing event at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre (TRECC).

Williams achieved a belt for his New England title, and also received a trophy for being in what was judged the ‘fight of the night’.

With eight preliminary fights and 18 on the main card, Williams was involved in the 12th bout on the main card.

Williams and Maitland City-based Alex Ashton squared off in four rounds of two minutes each – the standard for amateur boxing – with the judges unanimously awarding Williams the victory.

The Gunnedah-based boxer said the first round involved trying to feel his opponent out, before he hit Ashton to the body numerous times in round two.

Williams said he felt in control for the latter half of the bout, having gained a lot of confidence when he forced Ashton to hit the deck near the end of round two.

“It was a tough fight,” Williams said.

“I definitely wasn’t controlling the whole fight.

“It was back-and-forth.”

With his opponent being taller than him and having a longer reach, Williams said he had to stay off the ropes while also using his jab.

Despite the result going his way, Williams declared that he thought he could do a lot better.

“It’s all a learning curve in there,” he said.

“It feels so much different actually fighting compared to sparring and whatnot.”

While rating his gold medal win at last year’s amateur national titles at the Central Coast as his highest achievement, Williams said his title win last Saturday was special considering it occurred close to home while he had plenty of crowd support.

“I’m not really used to it, because I’m used to fighting in places like Newcastle where they’re usually going for the other person,” he said.

“It was great to have everyone cheering my name.”

Family members, a sponsor and other people from Gunnedah were among the spectators, with Williams saying the atmosphere was amazing and electric.

Williams said he was nervous before any fight but on this occasion was probably the least nervous he had been, having trained hard and not skipped any sessions.

“You need the nerves, it’s what keeps you alive,” he said.

“It’s the flight or fight thing.

“If I’m feeling nervous, I’m feeling the right thing.”

The next bout for Williams is likely to be at Newcastle later this month, with the 18-year-old saying he wanted to gain as much experience as possible.

Williams has had only two bouts so far this year after having 10 last year, with his first fight this year occurring in Newcastle in March when he was unsuccessful in vying for a Northern NSW senior title.

Having started his amateur boxing career a little over 18 months ago, Williams said he hoped to become a professional boxer in a couple of years.

With fellow Black “n” Blue Boxing member Mace Eveleigh winning his maiden professional fight about two hours after Williams’s bout at the same event last Friday, Williams said, “It’s very motivating seeing Mace go pro, and having his success like he did.”