CALLUM Simpson is hoping to make a good first defence of his British and Commonwealth titles next month then fight at Oakwell again next summer – this time in front of a sold-out crowd.
The Barnsley man will defend his super-middlewight belts at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield on January 11 against Steed Woodall.
It will be the 28-year-old’s first defence of the titles he won at Oakwell last summer against Zak Chelli on a famous night for the town.
Simpson, who has won all 15 professional fights, told the Chronicle: “I am excited that a date has finally been announced.
“I have been onto my promoters BOXXER for a while about getting a new date, while I’ve been training hard.
“It’s another local show. Unfortunately Barnsley doesn’t have anywhere with a few thousand capacity.
“The Metrodome is too small and we can’t do Oakwell every time.
“There are coaches already full to go up and down the M1.
“Barnsley play in Northampton that day but I believe there are coaches going to both events and I think some of the players and staff will be able to make it as well.
“I told BOXXER my fans have gone to Manchester and London a few times so they need to be looked after. I am very glad to headline an event again.”
Around 7,000 fans watched Simpson’s first fight at Oakwell but he is now hoping to sell the football ground out next summer. He is hoping to return there next year but nothing is confirmed. Simpson said: “I am focusing on the fight in January against a tough opponent but a win in that sets me up for another fight at Oakwell.
“My promoter Ben Shalom has said the plan is to sell the whole stadium out next year. How great would it be for Barnsley FC to be promoted then for me to headline Oakwell again?
“It could potentially be for a European title but I would be happy to defend my current belts there because I want to win them outright.
“It’s only possible because of the support I get from the people of Barnsley.
“I told Sky and my promoters that we support our own in Barnsley and that’s what we’ve proved.
“That fight raised my profile massively. Hardly anyone else is selling tickets like that in the UK in their hometown.”
Woodall, from Birmingham, has won 19 of his 22 fights – losing two and drawing one.
“Steed is a solid fighter. He’s ranked highly in Britain and in the world.
“He’s strong and experienced, probably the best possible opponent domestically at my weight. He knocked out Lerrone Richards, the former British and European champion, in his last fight. It’s a step up from Chelli but I am very confident I will win.
“I will take it seriously like I always do. I want to solidify domestically and keep progressing. The only way to do that is with tougher fights.”
Since the win at Oakwell, Simpson has endured personal tragedy as his younger sister Lily-Rae, 19, died after a road accident on holiday in Greece.
“It is devastating and the whole family is heart-broken. I said to my dad after it happened that I needed to stay in the gym and keep working to make her proud. She used to love coming to my fights and singing ‘there’s only one Callum Simpson.’ She’s still with me.
“I have six other brothers and sisters as well and we’re all very close.”
