Exclusive:Troy Williamson v Callum Simpson 2: Barnsley boxer fuelled for rematch in Leeds by dream of Oakwell return
Barnsley boxer Callum Simpson speaks to The Yorkshire Post ahead of his rematch with Troy Williamson
The dream of a return to Oakwell is fuelling Barnsley boxer Callum Simpson ahead of his rematch with Troy Williamson tonight (August 8).
Super-middleweight Simpson has already headlined at the home of his beloved Barnsley Football Club twice, dispatching of Zak Chelli in 2024 and Ivan Zucco in 2025.
He looked to build on his fast-growing momentum back in December, only to be beaten by Troy Williamson at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds. After 18 wins, it was the first defeat of Simpson’s professional career.
Callum Simpson’s Barnsley dream
Not only will Simpson be fighting to claw back the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight belts, he will be battling to keep his dream of a world-title bout in his hometown alive.
“I want to bring some big nights back to Barnsley as well,” he told The Yorkshire Post. “I don't want to just be fighting in Leeds or Sheffield or wherever else, I want massive nights to keep coming back to Barnsley.
“That's my dream, those are my ambitions and I want to keep on bringing big nights to Barnsley. The football club, the council, everything, the support I've got from Barnsley, the least I can do is give something back by giving them big, big nights in Barnsley. Hopefully next year, let’s do it for a world title - that's my dream.”
A new direction
29-year-old Simpson has left no stone unturned in his preparation for his reunion with Williamson, who is five years Simpson’s senior at 34.
The Yorkshireman, previously mentored by Mark Hurley of Dicky's Gym in Batley, has started working under the revered coach Rob McCracken at Sheffield's English Institute of Sport.
“I think when everything's going well and you're winning, you never really look at what needs to be changed as much,” he said. “But I think, after the loss against Troy, it made me really have some time to reflect and really look at things that I felt like needed to be improved or could be better, not just about my team but myself as well.
“I had a conversation with a few different coaches and I had a meeting with Rob and I went and trained with him, and being with him, I've realised why he's one of the best trainers in the country - in the world, to be honest.”
‘Much-improved’ version of Callum Simpson promised
Wisely, Simpson has been keen to avoid giving too much away ahead of the rematch at the First Direct Bank Arena. However, he has insisted a “much-improved” version of himself will be presented.
“I looked at the fight, it's not about changing me as a fighter,” he said. “It's just about making improvements and a lot of things that I can improve on, which I believe I've done.
“There is definitely going to be a different version of me, definitely, a very much-improved version of me.
“I've had plenty of fights where I've been the challenger and not the champion but I think it's more the mindset. I always went with a champion mindset and whether it's from my debut all the way through, I've always gone in there feeling like a champion, training like a champion and believing that I will become the champion as well.
“Boxing's hard no matter who you train with, who you do your camps with - boxing is a hard game. Different training styles, different coaching types, but at the end of the day, it's still hard work.
“I wouldn't say I have anything to prove, I just need to win - it's as simple as that.”