CALLUM Simpson secured a 17th win from 17 professional fights this week and is now looking for an 18th in front of a sell-out crowd at Oakwell in the summer.
The 28-year-old from Barnsley gained a fifth-round stoppage win over Elvis Ahorgah from Ghana at the Wembley Arena in London to retain the super middleweight Commonwealth title.
He is now expected to fight at Oakwell, for the second time.
Simpson previously fought at Barnsley’s stadium last summer, selling out the 7,000 tickets available within days.
He has announced that a date has been agreed between Barnsley FC, promoters BOXXER and Sky TV, which is thought to be in late May or early June.
They are in discussions with Barnsley Council about the maximum capacity for a boxing event.
Simpson told the Chronicle: “I’ve heard a lot of different numbers, it’s crazy.
“Tony Bellew fought in front of 12,000 at Goodison Park for a world title when he was a massive name.
“To be looking at more than that with where I am in my career is phenomenal.
“We know the demand is there in Barnsley. BOXXER didn’t think we would sell 7,000 last time. Ben Shalom thought probably half that.
“Then they didn’t think my fight just after Christmas would sell out but it did.
“We’re proving them wrong every time and I have told them they need to stop doubting me.
“I think they finally understand now.”
Simpson’s promoter Shalom said in the ring on Saturday that they would look to sell 25,000 tickets.
Simpson said: “It’s not going to be 25,000.
“I think he’s got in a bit of trouble for that. But we’re confident it will be more than double last time.”
On returning to Oakwell, Callum said: “I have been thinking about it since the day I had the first fight.
“I have been visualising and dreaming about the ring in the middle of pitch, all the stands open and the crowd on the pitch.
“I have thought about 100 different ringwalks – coming out of the old tunnel, new tunnel, parachuting, arriving on a fleet of Harley Davidsons.
“Crazy ideas.
“It will be another special night, and so will the whole week.
“It’s great for the town.”
Simpson, who is also the British champion, says there are plenty of options open for the opponent.
“Nothing is confirmed but we want to make it a big fight. I think there will be a big title on the line.”
Simpson was on top throughout on Saturday before flooring his opponent in the fifth round, for a second win in three weeks.
He said: “I watched it back with my coach.
“The first two rounds, I rushed it a little bit to get an early knock out.
“I cut him with a good right hand in the first round and I wanted that knock-out but tried too hard.
“In the third, fourth and fifth rounds, I relaxed and listened to my corner more. That’s the lesson to learn from this fight – when I relax, that’s when the knockouts come.
“Other than the first two rounds, it was a good performance and I showed a lot of skill and variety in my shots.
“It’s more activity, momentum and experience.”
Hundreds of fans travelled down to London to support Simpson, some setting off after Barnsley’s 0-0 draw with Burton Albion.
“I had absolutely unbelievable support. Sky and BOXXER always talk about the support I’ve got and the noise they make for me.”
