Callum Simpson is to defend his European, British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles against Troy Williamson on December 20 at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds.
The contest will represent the second of Simpson’s promoters’ Boxxer’s broadcast agreement with the BBC. The first, on November 29, is headlined by the contest between Frazer Clarke and Jeamie Tshikeva for the vacant British heavyweight title and, like Simpson-Williamson, is also in England.
Simpson, 29, last fought when in June winning the vacant European title after recovering from two knockdowns to stop Italy’s Ivan Zucco. He had also been in contention to fight his fellow Briton Hamzah Sheeraz, and in the 34-year-old Williamson confronts an opponent who in September won the English title in victory over Mark Dickinson.
“Leeds is going to be bouncing with the Barnsley Army on December 20,” said Simpson of the fight that will be shown on BBC iPlayer and BBC Three. “Troy’s a tough fighter but this is my time and I’m ready to prove again why I’m one of the most exciting boxers in Britain right now.
“To headline live on the BBC is massive and we’re putting Yorkshire boxing back on the map at the same time.”
“Callum’s had a great run but he’s never faced anyone like me,” said Williamson. “I’m gonna ruin his Christmas.
“I’ve been in big fights, I’ve been the champion, and I know what it takes. This is my opportunity to show that I’m number one and to take the belts home with me.”
The future of Ben Shalom’s Boxxer remains the subject of some uncertainty following the conclusion of their broadcast agreement with Sky Sports and, most recently, their refusal to bid to stage Chris Billam-Smith-Roman Fress, but the promoter said: “Callum Simpson-Troy Williamson is exactly the kind of fight we want to deliver for a national BBC audience. It’s a massive 50-50 domestic title clash between two elite fighters at the top of their game.
“Leeds will be electric on December 20, and we’re excited to showcase these incredible athletes to a whole new generation of fans. There are more big announcements coming – watch this space.”
