Mark Jeffers has the opportunity to set up a significant showdown against Callum Simpson if he achieves another decisive victory at Oakwell Stadium next month.
The undefeated Jeffers can solidify his position for a potential bout with Simpson by defeating Sean Hemphill. Hemphill previously went the distance with former world champion William Scull last year, indicating his durability.
Jeffers` upcoming fight against Hemphill will serve as the chief support on the card featuring Callum Simpson`s return to Barnsley to face Ivan Zucco on June 7.
Jeffers, aged 27, had a strong start to 2025, securing a second-round knockout win against Ricardo Lara on the undercard of the Ben Whittaker and Liam Cameron fight.
He expressed his hope that a victory over Hemphill could lead to a future headlining opportunity. Jeffers stated, “I want to make a statement and demonstrate that I deserve to be ranked among the elite fighters in the division.”
Discussing his opponent, Jeffers added, “Hemphill looks like a competent fighter; he lasted the distance with William Scull, so I expect him to come prepared to win. But I feel completely ready.”
He also shared insights into his preparation, saying, “I got married after my last fight, and the wedding and week away were fantastic, but the training didn`t stop. I trained in a gym while I was out there and returned straight to camp as soon as we landed home.”
“I want the biggest and toughest fights out there”
Looking forward, Jeffers commented, “If Callum Simpson defeats Zucco, then a fight between us would be massive. It represents Lancashire versus Yorkshire, featuring arguably the two best super-middleweights in the country, and I am very confident that I would win that fight.”
Last year, Simpson won the British title against Zak Chelli at his home ground, Oakwell Stadium, and he is confident of achieving even greater success at the same venue.
Simpson expressed his ambition for the upcoming European title bout: “To have the chance to fight for European honors here again and make history – I will be the first Barnsley-born fighter to win a European title, so it will be etched into history forever.”
Reflecting on the matchup against Zucco, Simpson said, “We are both undefeated, and we`ve both had significant notice for this fight. We both possess high knockout ratios. I anticipate a good fight; he has more knockouts than I have had professional fights.”
“We are stepping up for a reason. I aspire to challenge for world honors; I want to face the best version of him and defeat him,” Simpson stated.
He concluded with strong confidence: “I don`t just believe I am going to win, I *know* I am going to win. I believe I can stop anyone.”
Murray Blackwood