BARNSLEY, UK (June 6, 2025) – Callum Simpson and Ivan Zucco both made weight today ahead of their European Super Middleweight Title fight tomorrow at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley. The event is presented by BOXXER and will be broadcast live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.

Simpson’s debut at Oakwell last summer sold out inside 48 hours before going on general sale, with 7,000 fans cheering his impressive British and Commonwealth Title win over Zak Chelli.

Thousands more fans will get the chance to experience an unforgettable night of European boxing tomorrow as the local hero takes on his toughest test to date against the unbeaten Italian.

Official weights from Barnsley:

6 x 3 SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTEST

RED JOHNSON – 11st 13lb

HARLEY COLLISON – 12st

6 x 3 MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTEST

MAURO SILVA – 11st 7lb

OMIR RODRIGUEZ – 11st 4lb

8 x 3 LIGHTWEIGHT CONTEST

FRANKIE STRINGER – 9st 10lb

KANE BAKER – 9st 10lb

6 x 3 LIGHTWEIGHT CONTEST

ELLIS PRICE – 9st 9lb

JAKE PRICE – 9st 9lb

6 x 3 MIDDLEWEIGHT CONTEST

SAM HICKEY – 11st 6lb

HARLEY HODGETTS – 11st 5lb

8 x 3 FEATHERWEIGHT CONTEST

RHYS EDWARDS – 8st 13lb

THOMAS ESSOMBA – 8st 12lb

10 x 3 WBA CONTINENTAL GOLD SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

MARK JEFFERS – 11st 12lb

SEAN HEMPHILL – 11st 12lb

8 x 3 SUPER-LIGHTWEIGHT CONTEST

ADAM AZIM – 10st 3lb

ELIOT CHAVEZ – 10st 3lb

12 x 3 EUROPEAN SUPER-MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

CALLUM SIMPSON – 11st 11lb

IVAN ZUCCO – 11st 11lb

Final tickets for One Of Our Own are available now from BOXXER.com.

All the action will be available to watch live from 7pm on Sky Sports Action, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Showcase with prelim bouts available from 5pm on the Sky Sports Boxing YouTube channel.

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, HELL Energy, That Prize Guy, Riyadh Season, Car Finance 247 and Champion

BARNSLEY, UK (March 24, 2025) – A massive European night is coming to Barnsley as Callum Simpson faces Ivan Zucco for the European Super Middleweight Title on Saturday, June 7 at Oakwell Stadium, presented by BOXXER, live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland. 

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It will be Simpson’s toughest test to date, and the Barnsley boxer is calling on the passionate club fanbase to turn Oakwell into a fortress and support his battle to overcome an undefeated opponent.

Zucco, from Piemonte, Italy, has risen through the rankings with a series of impressive performances. The 29-year-old, unbeaten in his 21 professional contests, is a former WBC International Champion, who has stopped 18 of his opponents inside the distance.

Season ticket holders at Simpson’s beloved Barnsley FC will get 10% off ticket prices in an exclusive 24-hour priority access window for the June 7 event. A ticket pre-sale sign-up is also open now at BOXXER.com.

Barnsley FC and BOXXER executives have been working with local authorities to make sure the stadium is set up with the maximum number of seats for a non-football event.

Simpson’s debut at Oakwell last summer sold out inside 48 hours before going on general sale, with 7,000 fans cheering his impressive British and Commonwealth Title win over Zak Chelli.

On June 7, thousands more fans will get the chance to experience an unforgettable European night of boxing supporting ‘one of our own’ and are being urged to make the most of the clubs’ exclusive pre-sale access which includes a 24-hour 10% discount for season ticket holders.

Callum Simpson said: “This is the biggest fight of my career, and I’m expecting my toughest test to date. Last summer, I won the British and Commonwealth titles in front of my home crowd, and now we’re coming back, bigger and better, fighting for the European title against an undefeated fighter in Ivan Zucco.

“This isn’t just another fight, it’s a massive European night, and I’m coming to put on a statement performance. I need Oakwell to be a fortress on June 7 and make sure that European title stays right here in Barnsley.

“The support from Barnsley means everything to me. This town has backed me from day one, and to be fighting at Oakwell again, in front of my people, is something special. Last time we sold it out in two days, this time we’re going even bigger. It’s going to be a night to remember and I couldn’t be prouder to represent Barnsley on the big stage.”

Ivan Zucco said: “I am really honoured to fight for such a prestigious title in such a big event. Facing a high-quality opponent like Callum Simpson is an opportunity that excites me a lot. It will be a tough battle, but I am ready to give my all for victory.

“Winning the European title would be a dream come true. This title means a lot to me, not only on a personal level, but also to my family and everyone who has always believed in me. It will be an honour to bring the title back to Italy and the culmination of a journey that I have undertaken with passion and sacrifice.”

Ben Shalom, Founder & CEO, BOXXER, said: “We are excited to bring a massive night of European boxing to Oakwell Stadium headlined by local hero Callum Simpson. The atmosphere last summer was something special but this is going to be even bigger with Callum Simpson in his toughest test yet facing the undefeated Italian, Ivan Zucco, for the European Super Middleweight crown. I know the fans from Barnsley and Yorkshire get behind their own and Callum will be counting on this incredible home support to give him the edge in this epic battle between two unbeaten fighters.”

Jon Flatman, CEO, Barnsley FC, said: “We are honoured to welcome one of our own, Callum Simpson, back to Oakwell, this time fighting for the European Super Middleweight title. Callum has proved his love and his loyalty to Barnsley time and time again, we know he pushed harder than anyone to bring this fight back to Oakwell, in the heart of his community.

“I’d like to thank Sir Steve Houghton and his team at Barnsley Council for helping us to make this possible as well as everyone at BOXXER for putting their faith in us to deliver once again. The last night here at Oakwell was special, this one promises to be even bigger and better. Let’s make this another night to remember.”

Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco for the European Super Middleweight Title headlines a huge summer stadium show at Oakwell on Saturday, June 7. More exciting bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS:

• 12pm, Wednesday April 2: Barnsley FC Season Ticket Holder priority pre-sale with 10% discount for 24 hours
• 12pm, Thursday April 3: BOXXER.com sign-up exclusive pre-sale
• 12pm, Friday April 4: general sale

Sign-up for NOW for exclusive access to presale tickets at BOXXER.com

All Hospitality sales are via Barnsley Football club, enquiries via: commercial@barnsleyfc.co.uk

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, HELL Energy, That Prize Guy, Riyadh Season, Car Finance 247 and Champion.

SHEFFIELD, UK (January 10, 2024) – Callum Simpson and Steed Woodall have weighed in ready for their British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Title showdown on Saturday, January 11th at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Simpson will be making the first defence of his belts in front of a sold out crowd in Sheffield as he looks out to establish himself as Yorkshire’s latest boxing star. Birmingham’s Woodall will be aiming to spoil the party as he returns following a career best stoppage win over the previously unbeaten Lerrone Richards.

Newly crowned WBC World Lightweight Champion Caroline Dubois defends her title against highly ranked, former world title challenger Jessica Camara. Dubois has her sights set on unifications and multi-weight glory but must first overcome a tough test against her experienced Canadian opponent.

The undercard features a cruiserweight clash between Edinburgh’s unbeaten Scott Forrest and Lewisham’s Deevorn Miller plus the return of Scottish standout star Sam Hickey, who faces Newport’s Lewis Howells.

Official weights from Sheffield:

12 x 3 mins – British, Commonwealth & WBA Continental Super Middleweight Championships

CALLUM SIMPSON – 11st 13lb / 75.7kg

STEED WOODALL – 12st / 76.2kg

10 x 2 mins – WBC World Lightweight Championship

CAROLINE DUBOIS – 9st 8lb 5oz / 60.9kg

JESSICA CAMARA – 9st 8lb / 60.8kg

8 x 3 mins – Cruiserweight Contest

SCOTT FORREST – 14st 4lb / 92.5kg

DEEVORN MILLER – 14st 4lb / 92.5kg

6 x 3 mins – Middleweight Contest

SAM HICKEY – 11st 9lb / 73.9kg

LEWIS HOWELLS – 11st 9lb / 73.9kg

8 x 3 mins – Light Heavyweight Contest

BILLY DENIZ – 12st 6lb / 78.9kg

MICKEY ELLISON – 12st 6lb / 78.9kg

6 x 3 mins – Middleweight Contest

MARIO SILVA – 11st 8lb 5oz / 73.6kg

EMMANUEL ZION – 11st 9oz / 73.9kg

4 x 3 mins – Lightweight Contest

ELLIS PRICE – 9st 10lb 5oz / 61.8kg

LIAM FITZMAURICE – 9st 10lb / 61.7kg

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, Car Finance 247, That Prize Guy and Riyadh Season.

SHEFFIELD, UK (November 29, 2024) – Callum Simpson defends his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles against Steed Woodall on Saturday, January 11th at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield, presented by BOXXER, live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

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Caroline Dubois is also set for action against former world title challenger Jessica Camara as BOXXER kickstarts their 2025 schedule in Sheffield.

Simpson (15-0, 10 KOs) is the latest boxing star to emerge from South Yorkshire. Following in the footsteps of modern greats including Naseem Hamed, Kell Brook, Clinton Woods and Johnny Nelson, the undefeated 28-year-old will be looking to forge his own legacy having put his hometown of Barnsley on the boxing map with a dominant display to capture the British and Commonwealth Titles in August.

Fighting in front of a sold-out crowd at Oakwell Stadium, Simpson proved his pulling power and boxing prowess by dethroning reigning champion Zak Chelli via a unanimous points decision.

Simpson will be making the first defence of his belts against Birmingham’s Woodall (19-2-1, 12 KOs) and can expect a tough ride from the 30-year-old known as ‘The Stallion’, who will be full of confidence having claimed a career best win over the previously unbeaten Lerrone Richards in June.

Dubois (10-0, 5 KOs), considered by many as the number one prospect in women’s boxing and heir apparent to Katie Taylor’s throne, returns to Yorkshire having dropped and defeated Maira Moneo to claim the WBC Interim Lightweight Title at Oakwell Stadium in August.

The 23-year-old is targeting an all-British unification clash with Doncaster’s Terri Harper, the current WBO lightweight champion, but must first get past former super lightweight world title challenger Camara (14-4, 3 KOs), the highly ranked Canadian, who will be looking to derail the young Londoner’s promising career.

Callum Simpson said: “Winning the belts in Barnsley was a dream come true. It’s a moment I’ll never forget – hearing the crowd roar and seeing so many familiar faces made it extra special. Defending my titles in Sheffield is a great opportunity to bring even more people along for the ride and show them what I’m about.

“Yorkshire has such a proud boxing history. I want to do the county proud and add to that legacy. Being a Yorkshireman means having that Yorkshire grit and working hard. It gives me extra motivation to push myself and represent the county on the biggest stages.

“?Steed is a solid fighter. He’s experienced and I know he’ll be at his best. This is his opportunity, but I’ll be prepared for everything he might bring. I respect him, but I’m confident in my own abilities and preparation. I know I’ve got what it takes to get the job done.”

Steed Woodall said: “Callum is young and eager to impress. I will use this to my advantage. He’s ticked all the boxes so far, but his chin and resilience hasn’t been tested. I expect fireworks in this fight!

“This type of fight has been a long time coming for me and is one I will relish. This win means everything to me and providing a better life for my daughter. Styles make fights and I don’t have to go looking for Callum as he will meet me in the middle, which is exactly the type of fight I excel in. I wish Callum all the best in camp because there are deep waters ahead. May the best man win.”

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “What a start to the year. Two of the country’s brightest stars back in action for an unmissable night of boxing in Sheffield. Yorkshire has always been a hotbed for boxing talent. Callum Simpson is ready to take the mantle and fly the flag for Yorkshire on the world stage. He has a tough night ahead of him against Steed Woodall, who is coming off the back of an incredible knockout win over Lerrone Richards. This promises to be a real acid test for Simpson and an all-action fight for the British and Commonwealth Titles.

“Add to that Caroline Dubois, one of the most exciting female fighters in the world, in a must-win fight against Jessica Camara. Caroline has a big future ahead of her. She has her sights set on world titles and unifications but will need to be at her best to overcome an experienced, world-level operator like Camara.”

Sign up now for access to presale tickets and exclusive discounts at BOXXER.com.

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, Car Finance 247, That Prize Guy and Riyadh Season.

LONDON, UK (July 16, 2024) – Caroline Dubois, one of the most exciting prospects in world boxing, has committed her future to BOXXER, signing a long-term promotional pact with the next generation boxing promoter.

Confirmation of the new deal comes with an announcement of world title action for the fast-rising star, who faces Maira Moneo for the IBO and WBC Interim World Lightweight Championships on Saturday, August 3rd at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Dubois will be defending her IBO World Title, while Moneo puts her WBC Interim World Title on the line with the winner set on a collision course to face Irish boxing legend and current WBC World Lightweight Champion Katie Taylor.

Twenty-three-year-old star ‘Sweet Caroline’ Dubois (9-0, 5 KOs) has got off to the perfect start to her professional career having already been crowned Youth Olympic, World Youth and four-time European Youth champion as an amateur.

Dubois’ unbeaten run in the paid ranks includes a convincing win over Magali Rodriguez to claim the IBO World Title in September 2023 and a successful defence of the belt against Miranda Reyes in February 2024.

The Shane McGuigan trained fighter will now fight for the WBC Interim World Title title as she joins a historic night of boxing in Barnsley topped by the British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Title fight between defending champion Zak Chelli and local star Callum Simpson.

To realise a dream fight with Katie Tylor, Dubois must first overcome Moneo (14-1, 3 KO), the former WBA Interim World Lightweight Title holder and current WBC Interim World Lightweight Champion.   

Known as ‘La Panterita’, the thirty-one-year-old Uruguayan, Moneo, has mixed with top level opposition. She holds a victory over former two-weight world ruler Erica Anabella Farias and the only blemish on her record is the result of a disqualification in a 2020 bout with Yanina del Carmen Lescano due to a clash of heads.

Caroline Dubois said: “I’m very happy to have signed a new deal with BOXXER, Ben Shalom and Sky Sports. For me, it’s the biggest platform and I’ve been impressed with the amount they’ve invested in me and in female boxing.

“I’m ready to announce myself on the big stage. I want to be world champion. I want to be fighting for world titles against the likes of Rhiannon Dixon, Beatriz Ferreira and Katie Taylor. I want to unify the division. I want to be undisputed and then I want to move up in weight.

“I want to go all the way and to do something that has never been done before. I want to transform the sport of female boxing and to change the way it’s viewed to make sure it gets the respect it deserves.

“Moneo is a fight that can propel me to the next level. She’s game, she’s tough and she believes she’s going to win. She is going to bring that South American mentality, tenacity and energy.  She has a lot of experience. She’s had a lot of fights so I don’t think she’s going to be overawed. She’s going to be aggressive and non-stop punching and I’m ready and I’m excited for that.

“Every time I step in the ring, I want to do damage. I want to excite people. I want people to say: ‘Wow, that Caroline Dubois, she’s something special!’ I want my name to be in their minds and on their lips. Whether it’s a knockout or a ten round beatdown, I want to be the standout performance of the night, and on August 3rd, I’m coming to steal the show.

“After this fight, I will be on a collision course with Katie Taylor. I will be the interim champion, her mandatory and unless she vacates, we’re fighting next!”

Maira Moneo said: “I am looking forward to coming to the UK to fight Caroline Dubois. She is a very good fighter, and deserves my respect, but she has never faced anyone like ‘La Panterita’. I will show her why I’m the interim 135 lbs champion. I promise, I will be bringing the belts back home to Uruguay and Argentina with me.”

BOXXER Founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “Caroline Dubois is one of the future faces of world boxing. She is a special talent. We’ve worked with her from her pro debut and we’re delighted that she continues to put her faith in us to guide her career to the highest level.

“At just 23-years of age, she has already achieved so much. On August 3rd, as part of a huge night of boxing in Barnsley, she steps up to challenge Maira Moneo for the WBC Interim World Title, which can pave the way for some massive fights including a potential shot at female boxing icon Katie Taylor. It doesn’t get any bigger than that. This is an opportunity for Caroline to realise her dream and set up a fight with one of the biggest names in the sport in what can be a real ‘passing of the torch’ moment.”

Battle Lines: Chelli vs Simpson will kick-off the 2024/25 season for Barnsley F.C. with local star Callum Simpson challenging Londoner Zak Chelli for his British and Commonwealth Titles at Oakwell Stadium on Saturday, August 3rd, one week before the new season begins.

While general admission tickets for Battle Lines sold out in less than 48 hours, there is good news for any fight fans who missed out. A very limited number of production seats and returns are now available as the layout of the venue has been completed. There are less than 200 tickets up for grabs on a first come, first served basis at BOXXER.com. Limited hospitality packages are available via Barnsley Football club, enquiries via: commercial@barnsleyfc.co.uk

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, HELL Energy and That Prize Guy.

BARNSLEY, UK (June 25, 2024) – Ireland’s undefeated Stephen McKenna will face Joe Laws for the WBC International Silver Super Welterweight Title as part of an action-packed night of boxing on Saturday, August 3rd at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, presented by BOXXER live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

This mouth-watering contest is the first in a series of exciting undercard announcements to be revealed for a stacked stadium show at Oakwell, home of Barnsley F.C, topped by the British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Title fight between defending champion Zak Chelli and local star Callum Simpson. 

McKenna returns having dispatched Yorkshire’s Darren Tetley inside six-rounds last time out at York Hall in September 2023 to continue his unbeaten run, while the ‘Benwell Bomber’ Laws is back in action following an upset win over Michael Hennessy Jr at the same venue a month later.

Fans can expect a fiery build up with McKenna and Laws having already exchanged a series of barbs online and Laws pulling no punches in his assessment of his opponent.

Stephen McKenna said: “These are the type of matchups that excite me, especially in an open-air stadium in the middle of summer. I’ve been getting world class sparring out here in the States, and I’m feeling bigger, stronger and hitting harder than ever. And I can’t wait to show this come August 3rd.

“Joe Laws is game. He’s full of energy and won’t shy away from a scrap. He’s good at running his mouth and on the night he’ll try to put up a fight, but that just raises the ante for me to do more damage. Credit to him for taking this, because when those fists start flying it won’t look too pretty for him.

“Fans can expect nothing less than pure carnage. Our styles guarantee a high-action, high-volume fight at a ferocious pace. But whether I blast him out early or drown him late on, it’ll end with my hands raised.”

Joe Laws said: “McKenna is about as well liked in boxing as Boris Johnson was during lockdown. I don’t need a reason to punch someone, but he’s got one of those faces. I’m going to spark him and bring the belt back to Benwell. And the new!”

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “Fight fans can look forward to a night of non-stop action at Oakwell on Saturday, August 3rd. McKenna vs Laws is an excellent addition to the card. Neither man will want to take a backwards step so expect fireworks when these two step into the ring.”

Battle Lines: Chelli vs Simpson will kick-off the 2024/25 season for Barnsley F.C. with local star Callum Simpson challenging Londoner Zak Chelli for his British and Commonwealth Titles at Oakwell Stadium on Saturday, August 3rd, one week before the new season begins.

Tickets are sold out. Limited hospitality packages are still available via BOXXER.com and Barnsley Football club, enquiries via: commercial@barnsleyfc.co.uk

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, HELL Energy and That Prize Guy.

BARNSLEY, UK (June 21, 2024) – Tickets have sold out in under 48 hours for Battle Lines: Zak Chelli vs Callum Simpson on Saturday, August 3rd at Oakwell Stadium, the home of Barnsley F.C.  

Following a priority window for Barnsley F.C season ticket holders and an exclusive BOXXER pre-sale yesterday, the final remaining tickets went on general sale yesterday at 12:00pm. 

As fans rushed to secure their seats to witness local star Callum Simpson challenge Zak Chelli for the British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles, tickets have sold out in record time with just hospitality packages now available via BOXXER.com and Barnsley Football club, enquiries via: commercial@barnsleyfc.co.uk

Fans who have missed out on purchasing their tickets for a historic night of boxing at Oakwell can join BOXXER’s waiting list to be notified of any further ticket releases and/or returns. Sign up now at https://www.boxxer.com/waiting-list-3-aug/. 

All the action will also be available to watch live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA. 

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “The response to this event has been incredible. The sold out East Stand will be rocking as local lad Callum Simpson takes on defending champion Zak Chelli. This shows that Barnsley really do get behind their own. Fans and fighters can expect a red hot atmosphere inside Oakwell on Saturday, August 3rd.”

Barnsley F.C. Chief Executive Jon Flatman said: “We knew that the community would get behind Callum and the ticket sales show that this has certainly been the case. We would encourage anyone wanting to come along on 3 August to join the waiting list and I’d personally like to thank all those who have already purchased for their incredible support.”

Battle Lines: Chelli vs Simpson will kick-off the 2024/25 season for Barnsley F.C. with local star Callum Simpson challenging Londoner Zak Chelli for his British and Commonwealth Titles at Oakwell Stadium on Saturday, August 3rd, one week before the new season begins. 

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, HELL Energy and That Prize Guy.

BARNSLEY, UK (June 18, 2024) – Callum Simpson kicked off his big fight campaign with a special event for Barnsley F.C fans, family and friends in the heart of the community in Barnsley as tickets went on sale for his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Title challenge against Zak Chelli on Saturday, August 3rd at Oakwell Stadium, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Hosted by Barnsley’s X Factor singer-songwriter Holly Tandy and Sky Sports’ Johnny Nelson, Callum welcomed hundreds of supporters to The Garrison pub in Barnsley to officially kick-off his challenge for the title.

They were joined by a host of special guests including BOXXER CEO & Founder Ben Shalom, Barnsley F.C CEO Jon Flatman, Barnsley Council CEO Sarah Norman, and Barnsley F.C player Luca Connell.

Barnsley favourite Simpson delivered an impassioned rallying cry to the venue packed with hundreds of wellwishers, urging them to support him in his upcoming title fight with Londoner Chelli, who makes the trip north to defend his belts.

WATCH STREAM ON BOXXER INSTAGRAM HERE

Tickets start from just £30 to see hometown hero Callum Simpson as he takes on defending champion Zak Chelli for the British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles in this historic event at the home of Barnsley F.C.

Tickets are limited and are expected to sell out, with capacity strictly limited to the East Stand seats only.

Tickets for Battle Lines are on sale now exclusively to Barnsley FC season ticket holders, before the BOXXER pre-sale from 12pm tomorrow, Wednesday 19 June for everyone who signed up at BOXXER.com.

General sale begins at 12pm on Thursday, 20 June for any remaining seats.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, HELL Energy and That Prize Guy.

BARNSLEY, UK (June 13, 2024) – Battle lines are being drawn as Zak Chelli goes deep into enemy territory to defend his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles against his unbeaten mandatory challenger Callum Simpson on Saturday, August 3rd at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, presented by BOXXER live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

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26-year-old Londoner Chelli (15-2-1, 7 KOs) will be making the first defence of the British and Commonwealth Titles he claimed with a unanimous points win over Jack Cullen at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool in January.

Having earned the crown as the best in Britain, the Fulham fighter will be looking to solidify his position at the top of a highly competitive domestic division when he makes the long journey north to South Yorkshire where he will take on Barnsley bruiser Simpson (14-0, 10 KOs) in the challenger’s hometown.

Undefeated in the professional ranks, 27-year-old Simpson has earned his shot at Chelli’s belts with a series of impressive performances, most recently scoring a fourth-round knockout win over Tanzania’s Dulla Mbabe at The O2 Arena in May to remain on course for his mandatory challenge.

Simpson is predicting another knockout performance when he challenges for British and Commonwealth glory in front of his fans at Oakwell Stadium, the home of his beloved Barnsley F.C.

Zak Chelli said: “Winning the British and Commonwealth Titles was the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. This is just the beginning for me. 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. On August 3rd, my hand will be raised and the belts will remain round my waist.”

Callum Simpson said: “It’s a dream come true to fight in front of my home fans in Barnsley. I’m going to win the British and Commonwealth Titles in style. Expect a knockout. This is the fight I’ve been asking for. It’s a chance to prove myself and make my hometown proud. I need everyone in Barnsley and beyond to get behind me and really make Oakwell a fortress.”

BOXXER founder and CEO Ben Shalom said: “We’re delighted to be working with Barnsley F.C to bring an unmissable night of championship boxing to Oakwell Stadium on Saturday, August 3rd with British and Commonwealth Champion Zak Chelli defending his belts against local star Callum Simpson. From winning the Ultimate BOXXER tournament to claiming impressive wins over Germaine Brown, Anthony Sims Jr and Jack Cullen, Zak Chelli has proven himself as a top operator and will be coming to Barnsley full of confidence. Callum Simpson is the latest star to emerge from Yorkshire, which has a rich history of producing boxing champions. He will have the backing of the Barnsley faithful as he fights at his home stadium. Expect fireworks as the two fighters go toe-to-toe at Oakwell.”

Barnsley F.C. Chief Executive Jon Flatman said: “Barnsley FC are proud to host Callum Simpson and fulfil his lifelong ambition to fight at Oakwell. The stadium has to always be at the centre of what the community wants and needs; We know the people in this town want to see Callum claim the British title at this iconic venue. We believe the ticket prices represent good value for money for 8 hours entertainment and we are excited to see the people of Barnsley turn out in force. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the council, the safety authorities and our board for their support throughout the process of making this fight a possibility. Callum has the full support of the club behind him and we know this fight will put the town, the club and the people of Barnsley firmly on the map. We are a place of possibilities and we want everyone to have the opportunity to fulfil their dreams.”

Battle Lines: Chelli vs Simpson will kick-off the 2024/25 season for Barnsley F.C. with local star Simpson challenging Londoner Chelli for his British and Commonwealth Titles at Oakwell Stadium on Saturday, August 3rd, one week before the new season begins.

With a strictly limited 7,000 seating capacity set for the event, tickets are expected to sell out fast. Sign up now for access to pre-sale tickets at BOXXER.com.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, HELL Energy and That Prize Guy.

HOW TO BUY TICKET FOR BATTLE LINES:

Tickets are limited and are expected to sell out, with only 7000 East stand seats available and priced from just £30!

All Hospitality sales are via Barnsley Football club, enquiries via: commercial@barnsleyfc.co.uk

Barnsley Season Ticket Holders will get priority access.

Sign-up NOW at BOXXER.com

• 12pm, Tuesday 18 June: Barnsley FC 2024/25 Season Ticket Holders priority access
• 12pm, Wednesday 19 June: BOXXER exclusive pre-sale. Sign-up at BOXXER.com
• 12pm, Thursday, 20 June: General sale

LONDON, UK (February 14, 2024) – Alen ‘The Savage’ Babic takes on Steve Robinson and rising super middleweight star Callum Simpson is back in action on the undercard of the ‘Bad Blood’ showdown between unbeaten heavyweight rivals Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke on Sunday, March 31st at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Babic (11-1, 10 KOs) returns to The O2 where he has previously recorded wins over Morgan Dessaux, former World Title challenger Eric Molina and Adam Balski. The popular Croatian heavyweight has built a cult following in the UK where he has amassed a series of impressive KO wins. His unbeaten run was cut short when challenging Lukasz Rozanski for the WBC Bridgerweight World Title in Poland last April. The 33-year-old will be looking to get back to winning ways when faces Newcastle’s Steve ‘Drago’ Robinson (6-2, 4 KOs) as part of a huge night of boxing in the capital.

Simpson (13-0, 9 KOs) was ringside to watch Zak Chelli capture the British Super Middleweight Title from Jack Cullen at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool in January. The Barnsley man is mandatory challenger for the British Title but before he has his crack at the Lonsdale belt, the 27-year-old will look to extend his unbeaten streak as he returns to London following a unanimous points win over Jose de Jesus Macias at York Hall in September.

Unbeaten heavyweights Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke collide in a ‘Bad Blood’ showdown for the British and Commonwealth Titles on Sunday, March 31st at The O2 in London, live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.

Florian Marku and Chris Kongo will settle their simmering welterweight rivalry following an explosive press conference altercation last year with more major undercard announcements coming soon.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Integritas Property Group and VOW Nutrition.

Tickets, starting from just £30, go on general sale tomorrow (Thursday, February 15th) at midday. For more details visit: https://www.boxxer.com

LONDON, ENGLAND – (September 21st, 2023) – A serious threat awaits Callum Simpson in London next weekend as dangerous Mexican Jose De Jesus Macias steps in to replace an injured Germaine Brown on the BOXXER: Breakthrough card at London’s York Hall on Saturday, September 30th, live and exclusive on Sky Sports. 

In June this year, Macias faced Erik Bazinyan – ranked #3 in the world at super-middleweight by the WBC and #2 by the WBA – and gave him a scare, nearly spoiling Bazinyan’s undefeated record and the big-money Canelo Alvarez showdown that Bazinyan has been linked with. 

Macias (28-12, 14 KO’s) has made a career of derailing contenders and spoiling the night for home fighters – such as his jaw-breaking 2021 TKO of recent WBO world title challenger Steve Butler in Canada – and he’s aiming to do the same to Simpson (12-0, 9 KO’s) next Saturday during his first-ever visit to the UK. 

For Barnsley man Simpson – considered one of the best under-the-radar talents in the UK by boxing insiders before he signed with BOXXER earlier this year – it’s a chance to test his mettle against a fighter who has faced some of the division’s toughest talents and score a win which will put his name on the international radar.

“Callum Simpson already had a tough opponent for September 30th and now he has an even tougher one. Jose de Jesus Macias is an excellent boxer who has caused a string of upsets over the years and gave the world-ranked #3 super-middleweight Erik Bazinyan all sorts of problems in June,” said Ben Shalom, BOXXER CEO.

“This is a serious test for Simpson. There aren’t many fighters who would step up to this level of opposition so early in their careers, especially on short notice, and I think he deserves a lot of credit for accepting this fight with Macias.”

BOXXER presents Simpson vs Macias in association with bet365 as the event’s bet365 Wildcard contest. 

BOXXER: Breakthrough at York Hall, London takes place Saturday, September 30 and airs live and exclusively in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE, Village Hotels and Fastline Steel Services.

LONDON, ENGLAND – (August 21st, 2023) – A trio of bouts were announced today for a BOXXER: Breakthrough event showcasing the top tier of British boxing’s young talent on Saturday, September 30th at London’s historic York Hall. 

Caroline Dubois challenges for the IBO World Lightweight Championship, undefeated cruiserweights Viddal Riley and Nathan Quarless contest the English Cruiserweight Title and super-middleweight standout Callum Simpson heads into a firefight with the always-aggressive Germaine ‘G-Man’ Brown, live and exclusively on Sky Sports. 

The stunning ascent of Caroline Dubois (7-0, 5 KO’s) scales new heights when the 22-year-old prodigy steps up to challenge for the IBO lightweight world title in just her eighth professional bout. The prodigious Dubois faces power-punching Mexican veteran Magali Rodriguez (22-6-4, 9 KO’s), a former WBA world title challenger and current WBC title holder who has a 40% finish rate in her professional victories.

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Last year, Dubois – a Youth Olympics champion in her amateur career – told interviewers she wanted to win a world title in 2023 in order to put herself in position for big fights with big-name opponents, naming both Mikaela Mayer and Katie Taylor as specific targets. With five stoppage wins from seven outings, Dubois has now blasted her way to contention and the chance to complete stage one of her plan.

Two of the country’s top young cruiserweights will put their undefeated records on the line in a North vs South battle for the vacant English Cruiserweight Championship when London’s  Viddal Riley (9-0, 6 KO’s) – himself a Youth Olympian like Dubois – faces Liverpool lad Nathan Quarless (12-0).

Riley rides a string of crowd-pleasing stoppages into the bout, with his last four bouts all having ended inside four rounds or less, while Quarless has boxed clever on his way to a dozen straight wins and heads to London intent on outfoxing the heavy-handed Riley on home soil. 

Also confirmed for the September 30th card today are the surging Callum Simpson (12-0, 9 KO’s) and the gritty Germaine ‘G-Man’ Brown (13-2, 4 KO’s), set to meet in what is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleasing super-middleweight showdown between two gunslingers who both like to occupy the centre of the ring and rarely take a backwards step.

Simpson was considered one of the best under-the-radar talents in the UK by boxing insiders before he signed with BOXXER earlier this year. The Barnsley man seized the chance to showcase his skills on Sky Sports and now has a growing army of fans across the country. On September 30th, former English super-middleweight champion Brown intends to test Simpson’s chin, stop the hype train and steal his momentum. 

“Caroline Dubois is exceptional and we’ve said ever since she turned professional with BOXXER last year that we expect her to become the future face of the women’s sport, not only in the UK but on the world stage. Her ambition is as big as her talent, but even I didn’t expect her to blast her way to a world title opportunity in just eight fights,” said BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom. 

“British and English title bouts seem to produce some of the best fights we see in this country and this English Cruiserweight Championship bout between Viddal Riley and Nathan Quarless has a little something extra to it. It’s a classic North/South rivalry, with the outstanding Riley on home soil in London and the slick Quarless heading down from Liverpool looking to silence the home fans.

“I also can’t wait for this fight between Callium Simpson and Germaine Brown. A lot of insiders are predicting big things for Callum and he’s got a very tough test here. Brown is the former English champion and both of them go forward and look for the finish, so we might see an instant classic here.”

“BOXXER: Breakthrough events are about showcasing the best young talent in Britain and giving centre stage to the next generation of champions. The three bouts announced today are just the highlights of what will be an amazing card from top to bottom.”

BOXXER: Breakthrough at York Hall, London takes place Saturday, September 30 and airs live and exclusively in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports.

This event is presented in association with official partners Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – (May 24th, 2023) – Savannah Marshall (12-1, 10 KO’s) is on track to land a record-setting 1-2 this summer as she follows October’s sell-out of The O2 London – the UK’s largest arena – by headlining a sold-out show at the AO Arena Manchester – the UK’s second-largest arena – on Saturday, July 1st.

The undisputed World Super-Middleweight Championship will be on the line when Marshall walks out to challenge defending champion Franchon Crews-Dezurn (8-1, 2 KO’s) and becomes the first female boxer ever to headline the UK’s two largest arenas in back-to-back events.

Previously set to occupy the co-headline slot, the undisputed world championship bout now takes main event status as Liam Smith postpones his rematch with bitter rival Chris Eubank Jr to recover from a minor but nagging injury which has dogged his training camp.

The two antagonists set a pay-per-view record for their weight class when they fought in January, a bout Smith won by fourth-round stoppage, and a stellar support card was put in place for their highly-anticipated rematch, which was also set to air as a Sky Sports Box Office pay-per-view event.

With two world title fights – Liverpool’s Natasha ‘Miss GB’ Jonas (13-2-1, 8 KO’s) is set to defend her unified world light-middleweight championship at the event – plus a guaranteed-fireworks British super-middleweight title fight pitting Manchester man Mark ‘Kid Dynamite’ Heffron (29-2-1, 23 KOs) against Zak Chelli (13-1-1, 6 KOs), that stacked undercard now becomes a stacked event which will air live on the Sky Sports network.

And BOXXER has today also announced that every fan entering the AO Arena on Saturday, July 1 will be issued with a £10 or £20 food and beverage voucher (depending on value of ticket held), courtesy of BOXXER, plus priority access to tickets for the new Smith vs Eubank II date when announced and a 10% discount code to use in their priority access window. 

Also confirmed for the card is once-in-a-lifetime talent Ben ‘The Surgeon’ Whittaker (3-0, 2 KO’s), who became one of the most talked-about athletes in the country earlier this month when his outrageous showboating at BOXXER’s Birmingham event went viral online and had him trending at #1 on UK twitter for the night of May 6th.

Another prospect heavily-tipped by boxing insiders is Callum Simpson (11-0, 9 KO’s), who journeys from his native Yorkshire on July 1st to make his second BOXXER appearance following his stunning third-round stoppage in the same venue in March.

“I’m gutted and sorry to all the fans about the postponement. I’ve always said a fully fit Liam Smith beats Chris Eubank Jr every time. I tried training through because I was desperate not to let anyone down but I’ve had to withdraw from the bout in July following the latest medical assessment this week. I’ll heal up now and then be fully fit for later in the summer,” said Liam Smith. 

“I wanted BOXXER to put a big card together and they more than delivered, so I’m honestly delighted that BOXXER is keeping the card on without the pay-per-view, which doesn’t always happen. I would encourage all the fans to get behind Tasha Jonas and Savannah Marshall in their world title fights, and the other fighters in a brilliant card.”

Ben Shalom, BOXXER founder and CEO, saluted Smith’s courageous efforts to stay on the card and looks forward to another record-setting night in Manchester.

“Nobody is more disappointed than Liam Smith, he’s the ultimate professional but he had no choice but to postpone the bout. We’re working on a new date for the fight and hope to announce that in a week or so. In the meantime we’ve got a huge night taking place in Manchester on July 1st,” he said.

“Savannah Marshall headlining the UK’s two biggest arenas in back to back fights is a first for a female fighter and shows the strength of the women’s sport today. She’s fighting for the undisputed world super-middleweight championship against the USA’s Franchon Crews-Dezurn – a fight which could headline any arena in the world. 

“Manchester’s own Mark Heffron defending his British title against Zak Chelli, Natasha Jonas laying her own world titles on the line, plus a once-in-a-generation talent like Ben Whittaker and the outstanding Callum Simpson takes on Boris Crighton – this is a card stacked with great fights and we are very excited for it.

“We understand a lot of fans will be disappointed to hear the Smith-Eubank rematch is being postponed, so we’ve arranged a free voucher for every fan in the venue to have a drink on us on fight night, plus they will receive priority access to Smith vs Eubank II tickets for the new date when it’s announced, and a discount on those tickets.”

Eubank Jr’s promoter Kalle Sauerland of Wasserman Boxing said a new date for the Smtih vs Eubank rematch will will be announced imminently. “We have been informed that Liam Smith is not fit to fight on July 1st. We are awaiting further medical reports before we announce the new date shortly.”

A new date for the rescheduled Smith vs Eubank II bout – which follows Smith’s stunning stoppage of Eubank in January – will be announced in the near future.

LONDON, ENGLAND – (April 21, 2023) – Rising star Callum Simpson will take a step to greatness when he returns to the ring on June 10 at London’s iconic York Hall – as Adam Azim headlines in a WBA Continental Super-Lightweight Championship bout with Aram Fanyan.

Barnsley super-middleweight Simpson (11-0, 9 KOs) sensationally ripped up his reputation as the ‘best kept secret in British boxing’ when he emphatically stopped Celso Neves last month in Manchester on his BOXXER debut.

And the prodigal 26-year-old will be intent on creating more headlines when he ventures to the capital for the first time in his career this summer – live, in the UK & Republic of Ireland, on Sky Sports.

Unbeaten prospects Aaron ‘The Silencer’ McKenna (16-0, 8 KOs) and Shakiel ‘Dr Steel’ Thompson (10-0, 6 KOs) meet in a mouth-watering middleweight contest for the vacant WBC International Middleweight Championship.

The road to title contention also leads Frazer ‘Big Fraze’ Clarke (6-0, 5 KO’s) to York Hall for what will also be his first appearance at the fabled British boxing venue. 

Having last week received news that he will be the next mandatory challenger for British heavyweight champion Fabio Wardley, the 2020 Olympic medallist will sharpen his tools in the ring on June 10th ahead of his summer title showdown.

Cruiserweight prospect Viddal Riley (8-0, 5 KO’s) and his antagonist Anees Taj (7-3, 5 KO’s) have some unfinished business to attend to following their February war ending unsatisfactorily in a fourth-round doctor’s stoppage due to a cut above Taj’s eyebrow.

Elsewhere on the card, brother of headliner Adam, welterweight Hassan Azim (6-0, 3 KOs) looks to extend his unbeaten start to life as a professional.

English champion Sam Gilley (15-1, 7 KOs) will be out to light up his native East End after impressing last time out at Ally Pally last November.

The ‘Magic Man’ dropped Sean Robinson in the sixth en route to a unanimous points victory to successfully defend his title

Rhys Edwards (14-0, 4 KOs) produced a breathtaking performance in his win over Brian Phillips in Manchester last month – and the undefeated Welsh super-bantamweight will be back in action on June 10. As will Iranian featherweight Razor Ali (7-0, 1 KO), who wowed at Wembley back in February with his third round stoppage of Hector Avila Lozano.

And the series 8 winner of popular TV series ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’ Joshua Gustave will be on display too. The Ilford middleweight is 4-0 as a professional with all four victories coming from fights at York Hall. 

This event is presented in association with official partners Everlast and Wow Hydrate.

Tickets are now on sale at BOXXER.com and are expected to sell out fast.

Manchester, England – (February 23, 2023) – A thrilling English championship bout, two Olympians and the promotional debut of an exciting super-middleweight prospect have today been announced for the undercard of the BOXXER Fight Night: Manchester event taking place Saturday March 25 at the AO Arena.

Headlined by Lawrence Okolie (18-0, 14 KO’s) defending his WBO World Cruiserweight Championship against undefeated, 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medallist David Light (20-0, 12 KO’s), today’s announcements revealed a March card packed with quality from top to bottom.

English title fights have a deserved reputation for producing some of the most exciting contests in boxing and that tradition looks set to continue in the evening’s chief support bout when Michael Gomez Jr (18-1, 5 KO’s) and Levi Giles (13-0, 3 KO’s) enter the ring to contest the vacant English Super-Featherweight Championship.

Michael Gomez Sr was a firm favourite of fight fans in his home city of Manchester thanks to his all-action, no-nonsense fighting style. His son Gomez Jr – the current Central Area Super-Featherweight title holder – is continuing the family business and will have the Manchester Arena crowd behind him for his English title tilt.

Manchester’s storied arena played host to many a Gomez Sr bout and also hosted Gomez Jr’s professional debut in 2014, making it a fitting scene for his bout against the undefeated Grimsby man Giles, who is taking the first title shot of his career in this ten-round contest.

Hard-hitting heavyweight prospect Frazer ‘Big Fraze’ Clarke (5-0, 4 KO’s) – a bronze medallist for Great Britain at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics – is another fighter who counts Manchester’s arena as his second home, with three of his five professional bouts to date having taken place there. 

His sixth outing is by far his toughest test to date. Experienced American Rydell Booker (27-7-1, 14 KO’s) has shared the ring with some of the biggest names in the sport. He lost a decision to Hall of Fame heavyweight James Toney in a 2004 world heavyweight title fight and went the distance with the highly-accomplished Filip Hrgovic and Kubrat Pulev.

Clarke’s fellow 2020 Olympic bronze medallist Karriss Artingstall – now 2-0 in the professional ranks – also returns to the ring in Manchester, with her opponent set to be confirmed in the coming days. 

Hotly-tipped super-middleweight prospect Callum Simpson (10-0, 8 KO’s) – the reigning Central Area champion – recently signed an exclusive promotional agreement with BOXXER. Yorkshireman Simpson trained alongside former world champion Josh Warrington when he entered the professional ranks and has stopped 80% of his opponents thus far. 

Other names confirmed for the March 25th card today include Welsh featherweight Rhys Edwards (2-2), who faces Liverpool’s Brian Phillips (12-3, 3 KO’s), and the return to the BOXXER ring of welterweight Samuel ‘True Sensation’ Antwi (14-2, 6 KO’s), middleweight Aaron McKenna (15-0, 8 KO’s) and former Team GB member and Tri-Nations amateur champion Harvey Lambert (1-0), with opponents for the trio to be confirmed in the coming weeks. 

The confirmed card for BOXXER Fight Night: Manchester is as follows – with more to come:

12 x 3 mins  WBO World Cruiserweight Championship

Lawrence Okolie vs David Light

10 x 3 mins Vacant English Super-Featherweight Contest

Michael Gomez Jr vs Levi Giles

8 x 3 mins Heavyweight Contest

Frazer Clarke vs Rydell Booker

6 x 2 mins  Featherweight Contest

Karriss Artingstall vs Linzi Buczynski

6 x 3 mins  Super-Middleweight Contest

Callum Simpson vs TBA

8 x 3 mins Middleweight Contest

Aaron McKenna vs TBA

6 x 3 mins Welterweight Contest

Samuel Antwi vs TBA

6/8 x 3 mins  Featherweight Contest

Rhys Edwards vs Brian Phillips

4 x 3 mins Super Welterweight Contest

Harvey Lambert vs TBA

The event takes place Saturday, March 25 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

This event is presented in association with official partners bet365, Everlast, WOW HYDRATE and Village Hotels.

LONDON, ENGLAND – (February 16, 2022) – BOXXER has signed undefeated Central Area Super Middleweight champion Callum Simpson (10-0, 8 KO’s) to an exclusive long-term promotional agreement, it was announced today. 

The Yorkshire powerhouse will make his debut at the upcoming BOXXER event taking place Saturday, March 25th at the AO Arena Manchester in a bout which will air live in the UK on Sky Sports.

Fighting out of Barnsley, Simpson, 26, has scored eight of his ten wins inside the distance and secured the Central Area title in October last year with a stunning second-round stoppage which started with a lightning-fast flurry and ended with a fight-finishing right uppercut.

Simpson started training in amateur boxing at the age of 10 and turned professional in 2019, training for some time alongside former world champion Josh Warrington at Dicky’s Gym in Batley, Yorkshire.

“I’m incredibly excited to join the BOXXER stable. I was blown away when I visited the Smith vs Eubank event with my manager and ever since that night I’ve thought of nothing but walking out into an arena like that. It was incredible,” said Simpson. 

“I think the fans are really going to like my style. I’ve knocked out my last eight opponents and the last five haven’t gone past the second round – I like to get the job done quickly. 

“I’m the current Central Area champion and I’m looking to collect more belts this year. So everyone in the super-middleweight division, I’m putting you all on notice!”

BOXXER CEO and Founder Ben Shalom said Simpson was an obvious signing for the brand. “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. We’re looking forward to seeing what he can achieve, starting on March 25 at the AO Arena in Manchester.”

Tickets for BOXXER Fight Night on Saturday, March 25 go on sale at midday on Friday, February 17 via Boxxer.com.