The 26-year-old from New Moston takes on Emmanuel Zion at Altrincham’s Planet Ice on Friday night, on a Matchroom show broadcast live on global streaming platform DAZN.
Also featuring is Paris Olympian Pat Brown from Sale who is making his professional debut, and Moss Side’s Conner Tudsbury, who is competing in fight number two.
“It’s great that the Manchester fight nights are now full of local talent,” said William. “We’ve got two British champions in Jack Rafferty and Zak Miller and Liam Taylor is on the brink of fighting for one.
“There are loads of really good boxers coming through – there’s me, Pat, Conner, and I think it’s all falling into place now. There’s Zelfa Barrett who is maybe on his last push, and you don’t know where that’ll lead, Lyndon Arthur is fighting Anthony Yarde on a big show, and Brad Rea is right back in the mix.
“For too often, when Manchester’s had a big show, it’s featured London v London boxers and there hasn’t been a Manc lad topping the bill. I couldn’t tell you the last time a Manchester lad filled one of our big arenas – not since our Anthony!”
The younger brother of Anthony ‘Million Dollar’ Crolla, who is also his trainer, Will has amassed a perfect record of seven fights, seven wins with six coming by way of early stoppage.
Since turning pro in May 2023, it has been an exciting ride for the former scaffolder who has already boxed at Liverpool’s M&S Bank arena and twice at both of the big Manchester arenas – the AO and Co-op Live – but Friday night, under the lights in Altrincham, will be special.
“I think it’ll be an electric atmosphere. I think the smaller venues always hold an atmosphere better. I’ve sold hundreds of tickets and it’s the most excited I’ve been for a fight to be fair. I’ve had loads of messages for tickets. I think it’s a great venue.
“Altrincham is a nice area, a bit different from boxing in the city centre, so it’s a good vibe and for the fight fans, there are some great places to eat and drink.”
The future is bright for an explosive boxer who is determined to emulate his brother and other local legends like Ricky Hatton, by championing Manchester boxing for years to come. First though, he has to take care of business against a Londoner who believes he can cause a shock.
“I think he [Zion] brings a winning mentality,” Will said. “I think he’s the first person that really thinks he’s going to upset the apple cart on Friday night. He made a comment that he’s coming for a tear-up, so if he does that, I don’t think I will be getting rounds! I believe if anyone has a tear up with me early, I catch them, and I’ll get rid of them!”