In one of the most anticipated domestic clashes of the year, Barnsley’s Simpson will defend his titles against Darlington’s Troy Williamson, who enters the contest full of confidence following his move up to super middleweight and an impressive ninth-round stoppage victory over Mark Dickinson.
“I’m a different animal at super middleweight,” said Williamson. “I’m at my natural weight now, and people are going to see the benefits of that on Saturday. I can train properly and fuel myself properly for my sessions.
“You’re going to see the best version of Troy Williamson on Saturday night. Against Mark Dickinson, I wasn’t fully established at the weight, but I’ve grown into it now. This is going to be a dominant performance.
“I see vulnerabilities in Callum. I see weakness there. I don’t think he has true self-belief. Don’t get me wrong, I like Callum, he’s a good guy and he sells a lot of tickets, but that’s not going to be enough on Saturday night.”
Simpson welcomed the challenge and insists he is preparing for the toughest test of his career.
“I’m glad that after 10 years Troy has found his best weight,” said Simpson. “It’s great to hear he’s training better, sleeping better and recovering better, because I want the best Troy Williamson on Saturday night.
“I’m expecting a tough fight, an exciting fight. Everyone knows what Troy can do. I know he’s fit, tough and experienced, so I’m preparing for the very best version of him.”
BOXXER promoter Ben Shalom praised Simpson’s journey while acknowledging the scale of the challenge that lies ahead.
“Callum is a fighter who has had to fight tooth and nail to get here,” said Shalom. “He’s never been handed anything. He’s had to negotiate for everything and build his own fanbase by knocking on doors.
“This will be his fourth fight of the year. He’s already headlined two stadium shows, 7,000 and 15,000, and we’re aiming for 30,000 next year. But first, he has to come through a very, very big test on Saturday night.
“Troy Williamson is in the form of his life, and I believe him when he says he’s better at this weight. He put in a career-best performance last time out against Mark Dickinson. He’s ready.
“But Callum has chosen this fight. He wants the big names and the big nights. The fights that get fans excited. We’ve got a special main event, an unbelievable atmosphere, and another career-defining night for Callum Simpson.”
Simpson vs Williamson tops a stacked card in Yorkshire that also features a step up in class for unbeaten welterweight Elliot Whale, who faces outspoken American Blair ‘The Flair’ Cobbs, who holds victories over former world champions Adrien Broner and Maurice Hooker. Frankie Stringer takes on his toughest test to date against former British, Commonwealth and English title challenger Levi Giles, and Scottish standout Sam Hickey returns for his fourth professional outing against Aljaz Venko.
All the action will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer from 17:30 (GMT) and on BBC Three from 19:30 (GMT).
Limited tickets are available via BOXXER.com.
This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, Riyadh Season, That Prize Guy and Champion.
