Beyond The Ropes: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson

Beyond The Ropes: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson

It’s been a long time coming, but finally, the much-anticipated rematch between Troy Williamson and Callum Simpson has been signed, sealed, and delivered.

A lot has changed since Williamson upset the script in December and stopped the previously unbeaten Simpson in ten rounds after a pulsating battle at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.

Williamson won the British, Commonwealth, and European super-middleweight titles seven months ago. The European bauble has been lost to the usual nonsensical boxing politics. Simpson has moved trainers and is now being guided by Rob McCracken. The first fight was live on the BBC. But the rematch will be exclusively on DAZN. The first of the latest Boxxer broadcasting deal.

There is a nice edge to the second fight. Williamson has been left frustrated while a date for the rematch finally got over the line. Opportunities have been lost, including a potential world title fight. The British and Commonwealth champion believes he has been denied the chance to earn. He has a point, despite the obvious contractual obligations.

The Simpson team see it somewhat differently. An immediate rematch clause was activated. Williamson earned well from the rematch. Ben Shalom says he will earn significantly more the second time around. But the war of words aside, what we have is another cracking potential fight of the year contender to look forward to. A summer blockbuster that will likely deliver in every way possible.

Simpson was ahead on the cards before he was dropped four times in that pivotal 10th round. Williamson is promising to repeat his previous victory in an even more convincing manner. “Believe me, they have made a big mistake by activating this rematch. This fight cannot come soon enough. Callum Simpson: I’ve beaten you once, and on August 8, I will beat you again.”

But the 29-year-old challenger thinks it will be a different ending in August. “I can’t wait for August 8. Leeds is going to be bouncing. Troy had his night, but I’m coming to take back what’s mine. I’m fitter, sharper and more determined than ever. He’s done a lot of talking since the first fight, but now he’s got to back it up. I’m ready to settle the score and remind people who Callum Simpson is.”

Williamson was inspired last time. Even as he made his ring walk, it was done with an air of supreme confidence. A look that he knew something we didn’t. Williamson just had that vibe about him. The 34-year-old just believed when others didn’t. Make no mistake, Troy Williamson was very impressive that night. From ringside, I thought the ending was coming. Simpson more than had his moments, but he was starting to fade from around the 8th round.

I thought Simpson got his tactics wrong last time, and he has vowed not to repeat his previous mistakes. The Barnsley admitted he got dragged into his opponent’s type of fight. Simpson is right. There were times he boxed at range and was making the fight a little easier for himself. But Williamson just couldn’t miss him at times.

Simpson could definitely have fought a smarter fight, but equally, we should give Williamson immense credit for turning it into his type of fight. Too many times, we focus on what the loser did wrong and not on what the winner did right. Williamson did a lot right and may well have won regardless of what Simpson did.

But a change of trainer could work for Simpson, especially having someone as experienced and knowledgeable as McCracken in his corner on fight night. It could easily be the difference between winning and losing. I always feel Simpson fights to the crowd a little too much. McCracken could be that calming voice he needs.

Simpson is promising to be better and says he will put it right in August. But Williamson might just have his number. Either way, there is every chance the rematch will be even better than the first fight.

Photo Credit: Chris Dean/Boxxer