BARNSLEY man Callum Simpson will be hoping to make a winning return to the ring tomorrow after his promising career was stalled by the coronavirus crisis.

The 24-year-old light-heavyweight won his first three professional fights in 2019 then was due to fight at the Metrodome in March last year just as sport began to shut down. He has not fought for nearly two years but is due to return to action tomorrow at the Oldham Leisure Centre.

He told the Chronicle: “It’s been too long and I want to get momentum again.

“I had three good wins then my last fight was cancelled three days before which was absolutely gutting.

“I have been training all the way through and I’m in good shape.”

Simpson has sparred with the likes of Commonwealth champion Lyndon Arthur and European champion Lerrone Richards.

“I have sparred with every top boxer at my weight in the country.

“I know I belong at that level and it won’t be long until I get there.

“We are hoping to get two more fights in this year then even more next year, including a title shot in about a year’s time – either an area title or the English title.”

Simpson is due to fight Sussex-born journeyman Lewis van Poetsch who has lost 134 of his 145 fights including his last 30.

He said: “I wanted a tougher opponent but, with Covid, everyone is struggling for good opponents.

“It was fight him or not fight at all.

“He’s durable and he hasn’t been stopped for four years.

“I just want to showcase my skills and get the ringrust off.

“I have sold about 200 tickets which is good considering it’s in Oldham.”