Simpson Eyes Sheeraz After Redemption

A Champion's Redemption

Callum Simpson is once again the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion, and the feeling is a whole lot sweeter this time. In a thrilling rematch in Leeds, Simpson settled the score with Troy Williamson, securing a commanding unanimous decision victory with scores of 116-112, 117-112, and 115-113. The win was a powerful statement, avenging the sole blemish on his professional record—a shock 10th-round stoppage loss to Williamson last December.

After the first fight, the narrative was flipped on its head. “A lot of people wrote me off,” Simpson told talkSPORT Boxing. “The same people that wrote Troy off tried to write me off... saying it was too early, try and have a comeback fight before, or Callum struggles with the weight.” But Simpson blocked out the noise, fueled by unshakeable self-belief. “I knew I were going to beat Troy... you got to let people just say what they want to say... all you can do is believe in yourself and believe in my own preparation.” That belief paid off, as he delivered a dominant performance to reclaim his belts in style.

The McCracken Masterclass

This wasn't just a win; it was a tactical triumph masterminded with new coach Rob McCracken. Many expected Simpson to box at range, using his jab to keep the powerful Williamson at bay. Instead, they flipped the script entirely. Simpson revealed the specific flaw that cost him the first fight: “It was the counter right hand from the sloppy jab that I threw that I got caught with.” To nullify that weapon, they devised a new plan: get inside and stay there.

“We just thought, you know, we don't want to keep be on the end of his range all night,” Simpson explained. The strategy was to “come in with a one-two... lean on him... let two, three shots go, don't give him no respect in there.” In the first bout, Simpson felt he was “too nice on the inside,” letting Williamson get away with roughhouse tactics. This time, under McCracken’s guidance, he took matters into his own hands. It was a calculated adjustment that completely dismantled Williamson’s game plan and showcased a new, more versatile side to Simpson's boxing.

‘A Privilege, Not a Pressure’

Stepping into a rematch with the man who handed you your only defeat carries immense weight, but for Simpson, it’s all part of the dream he’s chased since he was nine years old. When asked about the pressure, he was emphatic. “I don't really feel pressure in there... I'm living my dream,” he said. “Why am I going to put myself in a in a in a place where, oh, I feel pressure? ... It's not a pressure. It's a privilege.”

That mindset is a product of supreme confidence in his preparation. “I know whenever I get in that ring, I put the work in,” he stated, detailing how he isolated himself in a hotel for five weeks to ensure he was completely locked in. He now views the initial loss as a crucial learning experience. “That loss to Troy could be the best thing that's ever happened to me in my in my career,” he reflected, admitting it forced him to analyze his mistakes, get a new coaching team, and evolve as a fighter.

What's Next: A New Rivalry?

With the Williamson chapter closed, don’t expect a trilogy fight anytime soon. Simpson revealed that Williamson’s team “did everything they could not to rematch me,” from announcing other fights to getting lawyers involved. Having forced the issue and won decisively, Simpson is now looking forward, not back. His focus has shifted from domestic redemption to world-level ambition.

Having conquered the British and Commonwealth scene for a second time, the path forward is clear. The division is buzzing with talent, and Simpson is ready to test himself against the very best. While he didn't call him out directly in this interview, the name on everyone's lips for a massive domestic showdown is Hamzah Sheeraz. A clash between the two rising stars would be a blockbuster event and a logical next step on the road to a world title. Simpson has proven his resilience and skill; now, he's ready to prove he belongs at the top.