It’s easy to get caught up in the here and now. The sport of boxing has a way of doing that. For the most part, it’s all about the present. But for those who have guile and are auspicious in their approach, the future is constantly on their mind.

For Koby Williams, he knows what he has to do. He also knows that the path he was on could lead to eventual success but it’s one that’s incredibly slow-paced.

With just five pro fights under his belt, the level of opposition Williams was facing was flat-out poor. But, at this stage, that’s the norm for prospects looking to make their way up the ranks. If he left it up to his handlers, a significant step up in competition would take place a few years from now. But instead, it’s happening this Thursday night.

In New York’s Sony Hall, BoxingInsider Promotions has thrown Williams into the ring with a fellow undefeated fighter in Nicholas Isaac. It isn’t the deepest end of the pool, but the waters are far more shallow.

Being an undefeated fighter has dominated this era of boxing. And Williams, unsurprisingly, doesn’t want to lose his perfect record either. However, remaining spotless in the loss column isn’t his number one concern. Getting the right fights and gaining experience against top-of-the-line competition is.

“I’m not in this sport to just keep an 0,” Williams told The Ring during a recent one-on-one interview. “This fight right here, I asked for. I said going forward, I want to fight undefeated fighters or winning fighters. I’m 26. By the time I’m 29 or 30 years old, I want to be a world champion already.”

During his transient amateur run, Williams (4-0, 3 KOs) wasn’t the biggest name out there. Nevertheless, there was something about him that grabbed the attention of Larry Goldberg, the head man in charge of BoxingInsider Promotions.

Goldberg doesn’t take a chance on every and anyone. Chances equate to dollar signs and in this economy, no one has money to waste. The speed of Williams, however, along with his athletic ability, deleterious power, and easygoing personality when the cameras are rolling, made Goldberg wrap his arms around him and offer him plenty of opportunities.

“Koby is just one of those kids that’s a natural,” Goldberg told The Ring. “He’s charismatic. He’s a good fighter. He’s the kind of fighter that you want to work with. He’s taking a big step up and he’s willing to step up. I wouldn’t sleep on this kid. He’s exactly the type of New York prospect that we're very proud to work with. The sky is the limit for him.”

Being backed by one of New York’s club boxing promoters isn’t something that Williams takes lightly. The pressure, subsequently, is now ratcheted up a few levels.

The 140-pound newcomer, who could opt to move down in weight in the coming months, wants everything to be on his shoulders. Even now, with only a handful of fights, Williams isn’t close to being ranked in the top 15 of any of the sanctioning bodies but don’t expect that to discourage him. Not only does he believe that will change, but he’s also confident that in the blink of an eye, he will compete for a title and become one of the most recognizable names in the sport.

“Larry always looked out for me. For him to let me use his platform, it’s something I will always appreciate. I feel like he really believes in me. I won’t let him or myself down or anyone that believes in me. By the end of 2026, I want to be fighting for a world championship.”