BOXER Callum Simpson is aiming to win the British title on an historic night at Oakwell later this summer then sell out the entire stadium for a higher-level bout next year.
The 27-year-old super middleweight from Barnsley will fight champion Zak Chelli on August 3 for the British and Commonwealth titles.
Capacity will be limited to 7,000 in the East Stand, while it will also be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Simpson – who is a regular at Oakwell as a fan and has been brought out onto the pitch after winning previous belts – has won all 14 of his professional fights, ten by knock-out.
He told the Chronicle: “It’s been talked about for years, and it’s always been my dream, but I never thought it would actually happen.
“It’s going to be a massive occasion.
“I went to a lot of Barnsley games as a kid with my grandparents and my mates. But I never thought I’d be fighting there.
“This season, with it being a possibility, when I have been at games or brought onto the pitch, I have imagined my ringwalk, where the ring would be and the weigh-in.
“You see other fighters fight at stadiums but they are usually world title fights near the end of their careers at places like Wembley.
“I don’t think it’s ever been done for a British title before so for me to be able to do it in my 15th fight is something I am very proud of.”
Does Simpson think it will sell out?
“To be honest, I am not sure at all.
“It’s the first time anything like this has happened.
“I am confident that Barnsley fans, boxing fans and people who want to support one of their own will come out.
“I hope it sells out then hopefully we can sell the full stadium for a European title fight next year.
“If we prove we can do the numbers this time, then why not?
“I would like to think it can become my regular venue.
“Hopefully I can win at Oakwell a few times then go on Wembley.”
When Barnsley Council bought the Cryne family’s half of Oakwell late last year with the club agreeing a new long-term lease, both sides said they hoped it could be used regularly for sporting events other than football as well as concerts.
This boxing fight is the first one, having originally been set to go ahead down the road at the Metrodome.
Simpson said: “At first there were talks about doing it at the Metrodome but, after about 400 of my fans came to my last fight in London and everyone saw the support online, they realised we could do a lot more.
“In Barnsley we don’t have a middle ground – somewhere that holds about 3,000.
“It was the Metrodome or Oakwell.
“It was go hard or go home.
“We’ve gone hard.”
Oakwell was used occasionally as a rugby league ground in the 1990s with Sheffield Eagles and Wakefield Trinity playing games there.
Barnsley St Peter’s – the forerunners of the current club – played cricket there as well as football in the 1800s, while a baseball match is thought to have been hosted during the First World War.
There were regular boxing matches at Oakwell in the 1930s and 1940s.
Simpson said: “It’s amazing.
“This fight will put Barnsley firmly on the map.
“Everyone has come together to make it happen.
“It’s a dream come true.
“I have represented Barnsley since I started at ten years old, fighting as an amateur for Barnsley Star.
“I am very proud of it.
“Every time I do an interview I want to make sure I mention it.”
The show, which is expected to have several fights on the undercard, will be a week before Barnsley FC start their League One season.
Simpson is friends with many of the Reds players, with former captain Liam Kitching walking with him to the ring for his first fight on Sky.
“It would be good to get the players involved.
“I have had few of them message me, wanting to train with me to get them ready for the season.
“I might be helping them get fit and they will help me as well.
“Hopefully the fight will be at the start of a very good season for them.”
Chelli has said this week: “Simpson is too scared to challenge me for my titles in London so I’ll show him what a real fighter is and fight him on his home turf.”
Simpson responded: “I have told him to make sure he polishes those belts for me.
“I don’t want them dusty when I take them off him.
“I have been asking for this fight for a long time. I know those belts will be staying in Barnsley.
“I think he’s saying it’s his choice to come up here but it’s Sky and BOXXER’s choice.
“We’re fighting up here because of my support.
“It shows who they think is going to win and who they want to back.”
There is due to be a press conference at 6pm on Tuesday at The Garrison pub in Barnsley town centre, with promoter Ben Shalom and Sky Sports presenter Johnny Nelson.
