Leon Williams (left) and Tony Conquest

The long-awaited showdown between former British cruiserweight champion Leon ‘Solid’ Williams and Southern Area champ Tony ‘Conqueror’ Conquest is finally set to take place on the Olivia Goodwin promotion at York Hall on Saturday, July 7.

With the prospect of a British title bid for the winner, it’s a vital contest for both boxers as well as a meeting of old friends who were one-time training partners at Canning Town’s TKO Gym.

Williams, who still trains under manager Johnny Eames at the TKO, stopped Conquest in quick time in their amateur days and is confident he can put the first dent in his rival’s unbeaten pro record.

“I’m not trashing Tony, he’s a good friend of mine and a very good boxer, but there’s no friendship when you step in the ring. You fight, and that’s what we’re going to do – fight.”

Williams needs to come back with a win after losing his British title earlier this year to Nottingham’s Shane McPhilbin, who came in as a last-minute substitute when official challenger Conquest was forced to withdraw through illness.

“I’ll get the chance to get my Lonsdale belt back after beating Tony on the seventh. My manager Johnny Eames will do the business side for me – I’ve just got to win.”

Williams reports that training has gone well: “Preparation has been very good – sparring has been the best. I’m Dereck Chisora’s main sparring partner, so that’s good experience and I learn from it all the time. This is really going to help me with the fight.

“Dereck’s a very big, strong guy and after all this work Tony will feel like a lightweight in comparison when we meet,” he added.

The 12-bout bill, planned for July 7, also gives a Southern Area title chance to former West Ham amateur Nathan Weise who faces Ryan Toms for the light-middleweight belt.

The pair drew when they met over six rounds at York Hall last year, but Weise is looking to win the Area title – and celebrate his 28th birthday on the same day.