Boxer Callum Simpson expressed confidence that securing the European title this Saturday will set him on the path toward challenging for a world championship.
Simpson is scheduled to face Italy`s powerful puncher Ivan Zucco for the European super-middleweight championship belt. The fight is taking place at Barnsley`s Oakwell stadium this Saturday.
Simpson stated, “I`ve won the British and the Commonwealth, European`s the next step. After that we push on for world titles next year.”
He added, “This is it. I want to be fighting for world titles by the end of next year and the way we`re going I don`t see no reason why not. I`m learning every day, every fight, I`m progressing. This time next year I`ll be ready to push on for world titles.”
Winning a European championship is traditionally considered a crucial step towards competing for world honors in boxing.
Currently, Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez holds all four major super-middleweight titles. However, it`s anticipated that these belts might become available or fragmented by 2026. Simpson also benefits from the strong backing of a passionate fanbase in Barnsley, which is expected to help propel him to the elite level.
Discussing the impressive crowd numbers, Simpson remarked, “I`ve grown up watching Josh Warrington at Leeds Arena or Kell Brook at Sheffield Arena. I didn`t realise the capacity there was 10,000. We`ll be doing 15,000 [on Saturday]. It`s pretty crazy. Kell Brook [at Bramall Lane] was for the world title, Josh Warrington was doing stadiums for the world title, whereas me, I did it for the British and Commonwealth, which is unheard of and I`m doing it for the European.”
He further emphasized, “To be doing those numbers for the European title, it`s something special. It`s credit to my supporters, it`s credit to Barnsley and my community, they`re getting behind me.”
A Special Connection with His Community
Simpson highlighted his unique bond with his supporters.
He clarified, “They`re not fans. They`re my people, my community. I`m one of their own and that`s it. I`ve not changed who I am. I`m just a normal working-class Barnsley lad, Yorkshire lad, who`s worked very, very hard to get to where I`ve got to and where I`m going. I`ll never change.”
Simpson explained that his commitment to supporting his community is reciprocated, resulting in their genuine and unwavering support for his boxing career. “I support my community in any way I can and because they`ve seen that, they get behind me. It`s real as well. I`m one of them. A normal lad and I work hard to achieve my dreams.”
Murray Blackwood