Draft:Callum Simpson (boxer)

Callum Simpson (born 16 October 1996) is an undefeated British/Jamaican professional boxer and the current BBBofC Central Area Super Middleweight Champion. He is currently promoted by Boxxer, under Ben Shalom and is a Gym King sponsored athlete.

Early life
Callum Simpson was born 16 October 1996 in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. He attended Holgate primary school and Horizon High School, Barnsley.

Before pursuing a career in boxing, Simpson was a keen footballer, playing for Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League Premier Division side, Dodworth Miner's Welfare F.C. where his Dad was manager.

He left at the age of eight before taking up boxing in Bolton upon Dearne, Barnsley, later moving to train at Barnsley Star Boxing Club under Trevor Schofield.

He had 53 amateur fights, winning 38 before turning professional in 2019.

As a teenager, Simpson wanted to be a caterer in the air force. He studied business in school with a focus on food service. He later switched career paths to become a personal trainer as a result of his boxing training and studied sports science at college while working full-time in retail until 2022, where he would often fight professionally and return to work the following day.

Simpson cites that he did not get paid for his first five fights and money was a struggle.

Professional career
2019

Simpson made his professional debut in 2019 against seasoned journeyman Elvis Dube at Doncaster Racecourse, winning a points decision.

In October of the same year, Simpson faced and beat Kiril Psonko. A month later, he beat Richard Harrison via TKO at the Metrodome, Barnsley.

2021

Simpson had two fights in 2021, the first in October against Lewis van Poetsch. The second in December versus Antony Woolery, winning both via TKO. The latter in 50 seconds.

Boxxer
In February 2022, Simpson signed an exclusive promotional agreement with Boxxer.

CEO Ben Shalom said about the signing: "There's been a lot of talk in British boxing about Callum Simpson. He's a crowd-pleasing fighter with potential to go far. He has a big fanbase in his hometown of Barnsley and we think he'll be a huge hit with fans across the UK and beyond".

He joined Ben Whittaker, Viddal Riley, Liam Smith, and Lawrence Okolie on the same roster.

2022

In 2022, Simpson was scheduled to fight Michael Osmanu Osunla. However, when the bout began, it was visibly noted that the opponent shared no resemblance to Osunla. Simpson continued to win the fight via KO. But an investigation was opened to uncover the identity of the imposter fighter.

It is currently unknown who Simpson faced.

Later that year, Simpson had four subsequent fights. Winning all by TKO against Michal Gazdik, Michal Loniewski, Farouk Daku, and Ben Ridings.

Central Area Championship: Simpson V Ridings
Simpson faced Lancastrian super middleweight, Ben Ridings on 1 October 2022 at Oldham Leisure Centre, Oldham for the vacant BBBofC Central Area Super Middleweight title. Simpson won in the second round when a right-hand caught Ridings on the temple, sending Ridings to the floor for a ten count. Ridings said of the fight: “(Simpson is) the best guy I’ve been in the ring with, without a doubt. I hold my own with everybody, but he puts them together while he’s hitting hard”.

2023

Simpson defended his title three times in 2023. The first defence took place in March against Celso Neves, Simpson winning via TKO. In July, Simpson beat Boris Crighton via unanimous decision televised on Sky Sports. The third defence of the year came against Jose de Jesus Macias on the undercard for Caroline Dubois and Magali Rodriguez, Simpson winning via unanimous decision after scoring a knockdown in the eighth round.

Artur Beterbiev

In 2023, Simpson spent time in Canada to train with light-heavyweight unified champion Artur Beterbiev. Simpson became a sparring partner for Beterbiev for six weeks.

2024

In 2024, on the undercard of Fabio Wardley vs. Frazer Clarke at the O2 Arena in London, Simpson defended his title once again vs. Dulla Mbabe, winning via knockout in round four.

Battle Lines: Simpson V Chelli
Simpson is scheduled to fight Commonwealth Super Middleweight champion Zak Chelli on 3 August in Barnsley at Simpson's childhood football club Barnsley F.C.. The fight, billed as Battle Lines will put Chelli's Commonwealth Title on the line.

Personal life
Simpson has one older brother, Bradley, a professional model, and one older sister.

Simpson now trains at Dicky's Gym in Batley, the former gym of IBF featherweight champion Josh Warrington.

He is a lifelong fan of Barnsley F.C. and is notably proud of his Yorkshire roots.

His favourite sweets are Jelly Babies.