MAN mountain Billy Wilson has warned the host of British heavyweights fighting it out at the top of the domestic division that he is set to rule the roost.

The 6ft 4ins and 17stone York fighter has returned to the sport after a six-year absence after starting to go to the gym with his cousin and light-heavyweight contender Pinky Burton.

And after an impressive amateur pedigree in the super-heavyweights, he is ready to power his way past the ageing collection of Danny Williams, Audley Harrison, Herbie Hide and Co in the professional heavyweight ranks.

The 22-year-old former All Saints pupil, who will make his pro' bow on September 17 at Bradford's Grand Hotel should he get clearance from the British Boxing Board of Control for his licence, told the Evening Press: "I just felt the time was right.

"I had been going down to the gym with Pinky and something clicked.

"I gave up when I was 16 and I've had a good time. I've partied, I've got married, I've had a little girl and now I'm coming back.

"I'm going to take it slowly for the first four or five fights and then go from there.

"For the first 12 months, I'm going to consolidate myself and force my way into the top ten, but within two years I will be British champion.

"I'm not worried about the likes of Danny Williams or Audley Harrison or that, I don't fear anybody."

Despite the weight and height to suggest that he is ready to bludgeon his way to the top, Wilson has built his style more on the finer arts of ringcraft, with Sugar Ray Leonard someone he looks up to.

However, with 36 stoppages in his 38 amateur victories, Wilson's history suggests he can turn on the power when needed.

"A lot of big fighters are slow and ponderous, but I apply myself on my speed as opposed to power," he said.

"I can bang a bit if it comes to it, and stand and trade, but that's not my style.

"I'm not really a blood and guts fighter like Henry Wharton or Arturo Gatti.

"I like the actual art of boxing and for that you can look no further than Sugar Ray Leonard, who would avoid getting hit and land with solid accurate punches, rather than just flicking out the jab."

Wilson's style is something that has come as a shock to his Leeds-based trainer Terry O'Neill, who also trains Burton.

"I've never seen a lad as big be as nimble," he said.

"He is very good technically. He has got loads of charisma, a bit like Henry Wharton, although I don't think he can hit as hard with his left as Henry, but he is developing.

"I think he could do the business as long as he can take it all in his stride and stick at it.

"I will look after him for the first five or so fights and build it up from there."

Updated: 11:12 Saturday, August 02, 2003