Boxing news: Barnsley’s Callum Simpson to fight at Oakwell for second time vs Ivan Zucco
Barnsley boxer Callum Simpson will return to his hometown football stadium for the second time in his career to face undefeated Italian Ivan Zucco.
Simpson, 28, boasts an impressive professional record of 17 wins with 12 knockouts and no losses, writes Sports News Blitz’s Jonathon House.
He has held both the British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles since August 2024, when he first fought at Oakwell against Zak Chelli.
Simpson vs Chelli: Fight Week Recap
Simpson has built a huge fanbase in Barnsley, with many travelling as far as London to watch him fight.
During the build-up to his fight with Chelli last August, hundreds of fans attended the public workout and weigh-in to support their local hero.
The atmosphere in Barnsley during fight week was electric. The sun was shining, the pubs were buzzing, and the town united in support of Simpson.
That night, Simpson overcame his toughest challenge to date, beating Chelli by unanimous decision, sending the Oakwell crowd wild. He truly put Barnsley on the boxing map.
Tragedy and Triumph
Just weeks after the Chelli fight, Simpson received devastating news. His sister, Lilly Rae Simpson, had passed away. It was a heartbreaking time for the boxer and his family.
Despite the personal loss, Simpson remained active in the ring. He returned to action with an emotional second-round stoppage of Steed Woodall, a fight he dedicated to his sister.
Just three weeks later, Simpson was back again, this time stopping African opponent Elvis Ahorgah in the fifth round.
Fighting through grief, he carried on in his sister’s memory.
The Next Chapter: June 7 at Oakwell
On June 7, 2025, Simpson will take on Ivan Zucco, who comes into the fight with a perfect record of 21 wins and 18 knockouts.
Just like last time, there’s bound to be a big buzz around the event, with fans expected to pack out Oakwell once again.
In today’s boxing world, many fighters go wherever the money takes them. But Simpson is different. He’s choosing to fight at home to make it easier for fans and to bring big nights to Barnsley.
Fighters like Kell Brook who fought at Sheffield’s Bramall Lane have shown the power of hometown events.
And Simpson proved it too, when he sold out Oakwell last year.
There’s something special about a fighter representing their town, and Callum Simpson is doing just that, proudly flying the flag for Barnsley.
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