Simpson v Crolla

[Autobarn]

He also has 4 defeats on that record 2 against Sykes, Mathews and Al hamidi.. Crolla has faced better opponents I'm not denying that but both are looking to get a British title at their respected weights.. Crolla could be fighting Coyle in Hull rather than Simpson in Glasgow.. I'm quite positive Al Hamidi and Abdul Rashid 2 fighters who have been in with both would say that Ronnie was better.. My point is Crolla has had a reputation built from losing and drawing with Derry Mathews. He got a bit of Sky exposure which people now think he is better than he is.

End of the day styles make fights.. Crolla will outbox Simpson and be the much bigger man. Keep moving and win a wide points unless John can catch him.. If Simpson fought Ronnie it would be toe to toes and the best chin would win. Fans prefer fights like that. But I'm guessing John will be getting good money to basically lose..

reason ppl think rees won is probably because they wanted him to win, took notice of his work & not crolla's, and overlooked the off balance slappy shots rees was throwing - slappy because crolla kept him off balance in a subtly smart performance, in display of improving tactical boxing ability. also, due to crolla's wars with Matthews (1st), Farrell, sykes (1st), Watson & morris, ppl's expectations of face first body punching has left crolla misunderstood. thank fvck sense prevailed, and 2 of the 3 judges went for him.

when crolla is able to continue his development and integrate the heavy hitting with the smart boxing, I feel people will believe he is ready for WBO champ ricky burns.

I felt crolla's rematch draw with derry was a very fair result. to compare with a match at the highest level, it was like Barrera's attempt at revenge vs junior jones, who had beaten him before the halfway mark in a previous fight. part of the performance was smart boxing, part survival, part digging in & the balance wasn't perfect. neither barrera nor crolla quite got the win, in fascinating, anti-climatic fights (that sent barrera toward his very best work, as it may do with crolla).

[daviddee]

He also has 4 defeats on that record 2 against Sykes, Mathews and Al hamidi.. Crolla has faced better opponents I'm not denying that but both are looking to get a British title at their respected weights.. Crolla could be fighting Coyle in Hull rather than Simpson in Glasgow.. I'm quite positive Al Hamidi and Abdul Rashid 2 fighters who have been in with both would say that Ronnie was better.. My point is Crolla has had a reputation built from losing and drawing with Derry Mathews. He got a bit of Sky exposure which people now think he is better than he is.

End of the day styles make fights.. Crolla will outbox Simpson and be the much bigger man. Keep moving and win a wide points unless John can catch him.. If Simpson fought Ronnie it would be toe to toes and the best chin would win. Fans prefer fights like that. But I'm guessing John will be getting good money to basically lose..

reason ppl think rees won is probably because they wanted him to win, took notice of his work & not crolla's, and overlooked the off balance slappy shots rees was throwing - slappy because crolla kept him off balance in a subtly smart performance, in display of improving tactical boxing ability. also, due to crolla's wars with Matthews (1st), Farrell, sykes (1st), Watson & morris, ppl's expectations of face first body punching has left crolla misunderstood. thank fvck sense prevailed, and 2 of the 3 judges went for him.

when crolla is able to continue his development and integrate the heavy hitting with the smart boxing, I feel people will believe he is ready for WBO champ ricky burns.

I felt crolla's rematch draw with derry was a very fair result. to compare with a match at the highest level, it was like Barrera's attempt at revenge vs junior jones, who had beaten him before the halfway mark in a previous fight. part of the performance was smart boxing, part survival, part digging in & the balance wasn't perfect. neither barrera nor crolla quite got the win, in fascinating, anti-climatic fights (that sent barrera toward his very best work, as it may do with crolla).

I wanted Crolla to win and thought Rees won close fight though.. Crolla is an improving fighter!! I think personally he is over hyped.. I like Joe Gallagher and think he does wonders for his stable.. My point is the comparison between Ronnie and Anthony at their respected weights.. Crolla would get stopped by Burns. He is no where near that level. Although you never know he may get there. A fight with Simpson is a waste. But it's less risky than any of the lightweights I have mentioned.. If he is so world class why doesn't he fight Richard Commey?? He would lose is the answer. Steve Ormond aswell

[Jakemilo]

Seen its been confirmed on twitter by matchroom

[billy nelson]

Maybe Billy will come on and clear this up.. The fight with Crolla is seemingly agreed. It seems to me that Hearn is trying to throw these Scottish fighters to the wolves.. Appleby with Cardle and now Simpson with Crolla.. A far better fight for Simpson would if been Ronnie Clark. He tweeted Eddie Hearn saying he would fight Simpson or Roberts Jnr and Eddie just ignored him. Dave Coldwell also offered Maxi Hughes to fight Simpson which again would be a better fight.. Billy said a huge a fight Crolla v Simpson is not a huge fight. For all Eddie's bravado of making boxing better it seems he talking out his arse..

Crolla v simpson is huge compared to Ronnie both fighters have won domestic titles and imomwill be a great contest

[billy nelson]

Ronnie Clarke and John Simpson are at different stages of their careers. As much as i respect Ronnie's willingness to fight anyone, i think he would be a backward step for Simpson. How many fights do you think Simpson has left in him? It all comes down to money and I can confidently guess that there would be a lot more on the table for a fights against names like Crolla (and similar level) than what would be made available for him to fight Ronnie.

As i said, i think Ronnie's willingness to fight everyone and anyone is admirable but it's not quite as simple as 'we sent eddie hearn a tweet' etc etc. We all know Simpson would also fight anyone anywhere but like anyone else he needs to make money, greater money will quite often lie in the same place as greater danger!

Agreed that John Deserves more but Crolla is about the same level as Ronnie in different divisions that's all.. Crolla also been beat at British Level. Ronnie is ready for Simpson and after watching the Coyle fight I think Ronnie would be too big and hit too hard for John irrespective of where they are in their careers. I think for Scottish fight fans this would be a bigger fight and a fairer fight for John. It would also make for a cracking fight as they both would go for each other. Neither likes to go backwards..

I have said many times I'm a massive John Simpson fan and in some ways I don't want him to fight Ronnie as I would like to see them both to do well and I also think John would be better at feather or super bantam. I would prefer Michael Roberts v Ronnie Clark(no e ha). I think the matchmaking if this is true about Simpson v Crolla is shocking. It's not a big fight and I'm sure not many would be too interested in it.

How can you say a guy in the WBO is at the same level has Ronnie who moly just in the UK top 10.
If ronnie were offered Crolla he bite there hand off stop talking shit Dave,

[daviddee]

Ronnie Clarke and John Simpson are at different stages of their careers. As much as i respect Ronnie's willingness to fight anyone, i think he would be a backward step for Simpson. How many fights do you think Simpson has left in him? It all comes down to money and I can confidently guess that there would be a lot more on the table for a fights against names like Crolla (and similar level) than what would be made available for him to fight Ronnie.

As i said, i think Ronnie's willingness to fight everyone and anyone is admirable but it's not quite as simple as 'we sent eddie hearn a tweet' etc etc. We all know Simpson would also fight anyone anywhere but like anyone else he needs to make money, greater money will quite often lie in the same place as greater danger!

Agreed that John Deserves more but Crolla is about the same level as Ronnie in different divisions that's all.. Crolla also been beat at British Level. Ronnie is ready for Simpson and after watching the Coyle fight I think Ronnie would be too big and hit too hard for John irrespective of where they are in their careers. I think for Scottish fight fans this would be a bigger fight and a fairer fight for John. It would also make for a cracking fight as they both would go for each other. Neither likes to go backwards..

I have said many times I'm a massive John Simpson fan and in some ways I don't want him to fight Ronnie as I would like to see them both to do well and I also think John would be better at feather or super bantam. I would prefer Michael Roberts v Ronnie Clark(no e ha). I think the matchmaking if this is true about Simpson v Crolla is shocking. It's not a big fight and I'm sure not many would be too interested in it.

How can you say a guy in the WBO is at the same level has Ronnie who moly just in the UK top 10.
If ronnie were offered Crolla he bite there hand off stop talking poo Dave,

Billy Ronnie is bigger than John size wise and good probably compete well at lightweight. You have said it yourself John should be down at Super Bantam. This fight is a joke if your training John your feeding him to the wolves to try and sell a future fight between Crolla and Burns.. There will be at least 10lbs between them come fight night complete mismatch weight wise.. John should be fighting at the heaviest featherweight no where near lightweight.. Eddie Hearn showing his concern as usual to fighter safety..

[lefty]

He also has 4 defeats on that record 2 against Sykes, Mathews and Al hamidi.. Crolla has faced better opponents I'm not denying that but both are looking to get a British title at their respected weights.. Crolla could be fighting Coyle in Hull rather than Simpson in Glasgow.. I'm quite positive Al Hamidi and Abdul Rashid 2 fighters who have been in with both would say that Ronnie was better.. My point is Crolla has had a reputation built from losing and drawing with Derry Mathews. He got a bit of Sky exposure which people now think he is better than he is.

End of the day styles make fights.. Crolla will outbox Simpson and be the much bigger man. Keep moving and win a wide points unless John can catch him.. If Simpson fought Ronnie it would be toe to toes and the best chin would win. Fans prefer fights like that. But I'm guessing John will be getting good money to basically lose..

reason ppl think rees won is probably because they wanted him to win, took notice of his work & not crolla's, and overlooked the off balance slappy shots rees was throwing - slappy because crolla kept him off balance in a subtly smart performance, in display of improving tactical boxing ability. also, due to crolla's wars with Matthews (1st), Farrell, sykes (1st), Watson & morris, ppl's expectations of face first body punching has left crolla misunderstood. thank fvck sense prevailed, and 2 of the 3 judges went for him.

when crolla is able to continue his development and integrate the heavy hitting with the smart boxing, I feel people will believe he is ready for WBO champ ricky burns.

I felt crolla's rematch draw with derry was a very fair result. to compare with a match at the highest level, it was like Barrera's attempt at revenge vs junior jones, who had beaten him before the halfway mark in a previous fight. part of the performance was smart boxing, part survival, part digging in & the balance wasn't perfect. neither barrera nor crolla quite got the win, in fascinating, anti-climatic fights (that sent barrera toward his very best work, as it may do with crolla).

When's he ever been heavy hitting?! Lol

[lefty]

Ronnie Clarke and John Simpson are at different stages of their careers. As much as i respect Ronnie's willingness to fight anyone, i think he would be a backward step for Simpson. How many fights do you think Simpson has left in him? It all comes down to money and I can confidently guess that there would be a lot more on the table for a fights against names like Crolla (and similar level) than what would be made available for him to fight Ronnie.

As i said, i think Ronnie's willingness to fight everyone and anyone is admirable but it's not quite as simple as 'we sent eddie hearn a tweet' etc etc. We all know Simpson would also fight anyone anywhere but like anyone else he needs to make money, greater money will quite often lie in the same place as greater danger!

Agreed that John Deserves more but Crolla is about the same level as Ronnie in different divisions that's all.. Crolla also been beat at British Level. Ronnie is ready for Simpson and after watching the Coyle fight I think Ronnie would be too big and hit too hard for John irrespective of where they are in their careers. I think for Scottish fight fans this would be a bigger fight and a fairer fight for John. It would also make for a cracking fight as they both would go for each other. Neither likes to go backwards..

I have said many times I'm a massive John Simpson fan and in some ways I don't want him to fight Ronnie as I would like to see them both to do well and I also think John would be better at feather or super bantam. I would prefer Michael Roberts v Ronnie Clark(no e ha). I think the matchmaking if this is true about Simpson v Crolla is shocking. It's not a big fight and I'm sure not many would be too interested in it.

How can you say a guy in the WBO is at the same level has Ronnie who moly just in the UK top 10.
If ronnie were offered Crolla he bite there hand off stop talking poo Dave,

They doesnt mean F all Billy and you know it. It's not that hard to get a ranking with a governing body! Look at some of these argentinian stiffs that have been brought over to fight for WBC silver belts and so on.

[lefty]

AND on a certain promoters cards, african stiffs to fight for some WBO bauble.

[Emmseegee]

Simpson V Crolla is an interesting fight, I personally thought this was just a strong rumour but obviously it has now been confirmed. I would love to see Simpson at this stage of his career being managed carefully towards some form of title shot but as always he is proving that he will fight anyone.

I think a close points decision could go either way on this one or Crolla may stop Simpson late on as he has a great work rate which combined with the size difference may wear Simpson down in the late rounds. If there is a stoppage, sadly I can only see it going one way in this one although I hope to be wrong!

PS: Could the original poster add a poll to this with predictions of the outcome?

[Boxingcutsman]

So I guess it's only me then that thinks this could be a decent fight has long has Simpson is 100% fit and in tip top shape.

Simpson should be fighting at Featherweight or S/F at most, granted, but he's a tough so & so and Crolla isn't a puncher so don't think the weight would matter has much has if say it was against fighters like Commey, Mathews, Rees, etc and Simpson could cause Crolla all sorts of problems IMO.

But I'd put my money on Crolla, late stoppage due to relentless work rate & pressure, cuts could play a factor aswell.

[billy nelson]

So I guess it's only me then that thinks this could be a decent fight has long has Simpson is 100% fit and in tip top shape.

Simpson should be fighting at Featherweight or S/F at most, granted, but he's a tough so & so and Crolla isn't a puncher so don't think the weight would matter has much has if say it was against fighters like Commey, Mathews, Rees, etc and Simpson could cause Crolla all sorts of problems IMO.

But I'd put my money on Crolla, late stoppage due to relentless work rate & pressure, cuts could play a factor aswell.

Simpson is getting himself in great nick in the gym, sparring better as the weeks go on all happy

[Boxingcutsman]

So I guess it's only me then that thinks this could be a decent fight has long has Simpson is 100% fit and in tip top shape.

Simpson should be fighting at Featherweight or S/F at most, granted, but he's a tough so & so and Crolla isn't a puncher so don't think the weight would matter has much has if say it was against fighters like Commey, Mathews, Rees, etc and Simpson could cause Crolla all sorts of problems IMO.

But I'd put my money on Crolla, late stoppage due to relentless work rate & pressure, cuts could play a factor aswell.

Simpson is getting himself in great nick in the gym, sparring better as the weeks go on all happy

In that case, this could be a cracker

[Emmseegee]

I also believe it will be a good fight mate, any Simpson fight is worth watching. Id pay the ticket price for this fight alone.

[daviddee]

So I guess it's only me then that thinks this could be a decent fight has long has Simpson is 100% fit and in tip top shape.

Simpson should be fighting at Featherweight or S/F at most, granted, but he's a tough so & so and Crolla isn't a puncher so don't think the weight would matter has much has if say it was against fighters like Commey, Mathews, Rees, etc and Simpson could cause Crolla all sorts of problems IMO.

But I'd put my money on Crolla, late stoppage due to relentless work rate & pressure, cuts could play a factor aswell.

I think the issue will be the size difference.. At Super Feather I would give John a chance as Crolla would only be 6lbs heavier at lightweight he will be closer to a stone heavier than John. As you seen in the Coyle fight it was a huge difference in size. John is good going forward he want have the strength to push Crolla back and will get backed up himself. Crolla will win by stoppage middle rounds can even see Billy throwing the towel in because he is going to take some punnishment.. I hope he doesn't get hurt very disappointed in this fight and we know the reasons for it..

[billy nelson]

Nonsense Davie, Anthony will be tops 10st5lbs I'd say and comfy at that,John would be about 10st 2lbs.
do remember Anthony as good as he is isn't a big LW so size won't be a big issue.
Stylistically this could be a very good fight

[fizzjambo]

I'm a big Simpson fan but I hate this fight. Coyle, although getting the big props from his promoter, is a good domestic operator, no more, but was just too big for Simpson at the weight.

Huge credit to Simpson for yet again proving what a warrior he is but he's never winning this, purely on size alone. Crolla shouldn't be being talked about for a world title, he isn't even European level yet, although I like watching the guy fight and he's got a fair set of balls and no little ability.

Burns v Crawford is a cracking fight but the undercard is bollocks as things stand

[Alba]

Good fight this, Simpson will give it a go and with a home crowd behind him could surprise...

Crolla is going to be looking for a Great performance, with Joe Gallagher (Britians Best ? ) in his corner aswell im sure he will already have his plan worked out.

Simmy the Warrior.

[handsofstone]

Its a great match up regardless of what anyone "best" fighting weight is

Crolla wins this one for me though and could very well stop Simpson,who IMO is starting to look a little worn down after a tough career,i,ll be backing John all the way though and hoping he can expose some of Anthony,s more fragile weaknesses

I agree with the notion that Crolla lost to Rees but it was close and it was really 50% split on opinions,on the other hand i thought he was unfortunate not to get the nod in the drawed rematch with Mathews

Nothing against Anthony who seems like one of the nicest pros on the beat but no way does he deserve a shot at Burns which is clearly being engineered by Hearn but who are we to be shocked after Bunny,s antics over the years?

IMO Ricky has had his share of gimme,s as a world champ and needs to be fighting top 10 opposition(by top 10 i mean Ring top 10) unless mandatories state otherwise

[Boxingcutsman]

Nonsense Davie, Anthony will be tops 10st5lbs I'd say and comfy at that,John would be about 10st 2lbs.
do remember Anthony as good as he is isn't a big LW so size won't be a big issue.
Stylistically this could be a very good fight

Billy & I don't always agree, but tbh he's not far out with the weights & size, Crolla is not a big L/W and doesn't put no more than about 10lbs on after weigh in, plus he's not a big puncher that you need to worry about, I reckon style wise it could be intriguing.

I do understand other peoples points also, it's not a ideal fight for John, but they need to realise at same time john isn't getting no younger and time is of essence, a win against Crolla would propel him into some big fights, this is a business, & johns got a family to feed, I can't see its a fight they feel is a no win, so gains outweigh the negatives.

I would personally like to see John fight someone like our own Troy James, it would be a great fight IMO, same weight & size & same sort of styles, 2 tough men that would without doubt be a toe2toe barnstormer. I like John, nice guy, and real warrior, never in a dull fight, and wish him well, like wise for Crolla who is a friend of mine, great guy, polite & very humble. Have a great, safe fight, May the best man win, & god bless both

[daviddee]

Nonsense Davie, Anthony will be tops 10st5lbs I'd say and comfy at that,John would be about 10st 2lbs.
do remember Anthony as good as he is isn't a big LW so size won't be a big issue.
Stylistically this could be a very good fight

Billy this is set so if Ricky wins or loses he will fight Crolla. This is just positioning. John isn't exactly ripped at 9 stone 4 how is he going to be at 10 stone 2lbs?? Judging by the Coyle fight not in the best condition.. You can say what you want but you think that Simpson should fight at Super Bantam and you have him fighting at lightweight.. Crolla isn't exactly huge but neither was Coyle and he looked 2-3 sizes above Simpson.. Crolla is experienced he will put at least a 14 - 20lbs after the weigh in. Can't kid a kidder Billy boy!!

[expe]

Some serious shite being talked here. It's an 8 round fight, Crolla is a small lightweight with no real power to speak of and John Simpson is as tough as they come, the only way it doesn't go the distance is cuts or if John can land big on Crolla. I don't think John should have taken the fight in all honesty, really he should be fighting at super feather or featherweight, but his willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, has at times for me held him back in his career and at 30 he should be being moved towards a European title fight, but at his best he's fully capable of beating Crolla.

I do worry about Hearn's plans for Crolla, because they seem to involve a fight with Ricky Burns in the summer and that would be a huge step back for Ricky if he beats Crawford, he should be looking for unification fights, not beating up Anthony Crolla.

As for the suggestion that Ronnie Clark and Anthony Crolla are on the same level, I know he's your brother David, but take a step back and look at things realistically. Crolla was British champion, twice English champion and now WBO Inter-Continental champion and top 15 in the world, he's beaten Morris, Watson, Limond, Rees, Farrell and Foster Jr and been in with Sykes and Mathews. Yes, he was beaten by Al Hamidi early on in his career and by Sykes, who it's worth remembering was British champion himself, stopped by Derry who's capable of doing that to anyone on his night, but there's no denying that he's proved himself to be at the very least a top domestic level fighter and possibly European level. On the other hand, as much as you talk Ronnie up, his best win is 78-75 against Dougie Curran over eight 2 minute rounds, the two just don't compare.

[JamieM]

Unreal, I hope Simpson can pull it out the bag but to me Hearn doesnt see him as much of a risk as Crolla is fighting on a big card in Manchester month after. Tune up fight!! Billy Simpson although prematurly stopped was far to small for Coyle. I just hope he doesnt go into journeyman mode but to me its going that way with everyone wanting that scalp!

[Boxingcutsman]

Some serious shite being talked here. It's an 8 round fight, Crolla is a small lightweight with no real power to speak of and John Simpson is as tough as they come, the only way it doesn't go the distance is cuts or if John can land big on Crolla. I don't think John should have taken the fight in all honesty, really he should be fighting at super feather or featherweight, but his willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, has at times for me held him back in his career and at 30 he should be being moved towards a European title fight, but at his best he's fully capable of beating Crolla.

I do worry about Hearn's plans for Crolla, because they seem to involve a fight with Ricky Burns in the summer and that would be a huge step back for Ricky if he beats Crawford, he should be looking for unification fights, not beating up Anthony Crolla.

As for the suggestion that Ronnie Clark and Anthony Crolla are on the same level, I know he's your brother David, but take a step back and look at things realistically. Crolla was British champion, twice English champion and now WBO Inter-Continental champion and top 15 in the world, he's beaten Morris, Watson, Limond, Rees, Farrell and Foster Jr and been in with Sykes and Mathews. Yes, he was beaten by Al Hamidi early on in his career and by Sykes, who it's worth remembering was British champion himself, stopped by Derry who's capable of doing that to anyone on his night, but there's no denying that he's proved himself to be at the very least a top domestic level fighter and possibly European level. On the other hand, as much as you talk Ronnie up, his best win is 78-75 against Dougie Curran over eight 2 minute rounds, the two just don't compare.

X2

[expe]

Nonsense Davie, Anthony will be tops 10st5lbs I'd say and comfy at that,John would be about 10st 2lbs.
do remember Anthony as good as he is isn't a big LW so size won't be a big issue.
Stylistically this could be a very good fight

Billy this is set so if Ricky wins or loses he will fight Crolla. This is just positioning. John isn't exactly ripped at 9 stone 4 how is he going to be at 10 stone 2lbs?? Judging by the Coyle fight not in the best condition.. You can say what you want but you think that Simpson should fight at Super Bantam and you have him fighting at lightweight.. Crolla isn't exactly huge but neither was Coyle and he looked 2-3 sizes above Simpson.. Crolla is experienced he will put at least a 14 - 20lbs after the weigh in. Can't kid a kidder Billy boy!!

10st 2lbs is what Billy thinks John Simpson will be in the ring on fight night, I doubt that will be much different to what he would weigh if the fight was at super featherweight. Simpson should be at super feather not super bantam, he's never made 8st 10 lbs his entire career, if Billy said super bantam I'm sure he meant super feather, there's 5lbs between super feather and lightweight. Crolla won't be putting on 14-20lbs, that's venturing into Chavez Jr territory, 10lbs seems about right, he could make super featherweight if he wanted to. Coyle is a big lightweight who could fight at light welter, Crolla's a small lightweight who could make super feather, big difference in size between them.