That sounds like what I had read, but I'm not overly familiar with EBU rules. Spain's Jose Luis Navarro Jr had been tabbed as Williamson's mandatory, so he was supposed to defend against him. It was noted in one of the articles that the EBU had ruled against Williamson fighting Simpson next.
Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - Who wins?
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
i hope Troy destroysSimpson
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
Why feel sorry for him? He’s hit the jackpot. He got a voluntary shot against a big ticket seller & will get paid very well for the rematch.MPW wrote: ↑16 Jan 2026, 10:14 Man, you've got to feel bad for Williamson. He began the week with the possibility of an IBF world title fight on the horizon or at least the prospect of an EBU title defense. Now, there's no IBF opportunity and the EBU belt will likely be going away, and he's left with a rematch against a fighter he dropped four times and stopped. And the way things are going for Williamson, Shalom will probably push to have the rematch at 175.
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
Boxxer have started paying well?a force wrote: ↑17 Jan 2026, 05:00Why feel sorry for him? He’s hit the jackpot. He got a voluntary shot against a big ticket seller & will get paid very well for the rematch.MPW wrote: ↑16 Jan 2026, 10:14 Man, you've got to feel bad for Williamson. He began the week with the possibility of an IBF world title fight on the horizon or at least the prospect of an EBU title defense. Now, there's no IBF opportunity and the EBU belt will likely be going away, and he's left with a rematch against a fighter he dropped four times and stopped. And the way things are going for Williamson, Shalom will probably push to have the rematch at 175.
Must be the influx of BBC money.....
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Fearful_Freddie
- Heavyweight

- Posts: 883
- Joined: 05 Nov 2008, 23:36
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
Troy is a very hard man. His fight with Cheeseman years ago showed how tough he is. Thought MW might be his best weight but he has looked strong at SM. As a fellow north-easterner, I hope he does it again.
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
They always have haven’t they?Coco wrote: ↑17 Jan 2026, 05:22Boxxer have started paying well?a force wrote: ↑17 Jan 2026, 05:00Why feel sorry for him? He’s hit the jackpot. He got a voluntary shot against a big ticket seller & will get paid very well for the rematch.MPW wrote: ↑16 Jan 2026, 10:14 Man, you've got to feel bad for Williamson. He began the week with the possibility of an IBF world title fight on the horizon or at least the prospect of an EBU title defense. Now, there's no IBF opportunity and the EBU belt will likely be going away, and he's left with a rematch against a fighter he dropped four times and stopped. And the way things are going for Williamson, Shalom will probably push to have the rematch at 175.
Must be the influx of BBC money.....
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
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SeanBrennan
- Bantamweight
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- Joined: 12 Feb 2022, 12:45
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
Does anyone know the size of the deal? And that purses the fighters will be getting paid?
I know I always ask this like a stuck record
I know I always ask this like a stuck record
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
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- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
These things are barely ever disclosed tbh.SeanBrennan wrote: ↑17 Jan 2026, 13:15 Does anyone know the size of the deal? And that purses the fighters will be getting paid?
I know I always ask this like a stuck record
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SeanBrennan
- Bantamweight
- Posts: 9630
- Joined: 12 Feb 2022, 12:45
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
Understandably so thanks RuthlessRuthless-RKO wrote: ↑17 Jan 2026, 13:51These things are barely ever disclosed tbh.SeanBrennan wrote: ↑17 Jan 2026, 13:15 Does anyone know the size of the deal? And that purses the fighters will be getting paid?
I know I always ask this like a stuck record
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
British title, 75k purseSeanBrennan wrote: ↑17 Jan 2026, 13:15 Does anyone know the size of the deal? And that purses the fighters will be getting paid?
I know I always ask this like a stuck record
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
- Posts: 100694
- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
CALLUM SIMPSON'S MANAGER ON INVOKING WILLIAMSON REMATCH: 'HE'S GOT AN ELITE MINDSET'
Callum Simpson's manager Kevin Maree has full belief the popular super middleweight will still reach the top.
The 29-year-old from Barnsley has been positioned as a chief cornerstone for BBC's return to big time boxing but on December 20, Troy Williamson dropped him four times before a 10th-round stoppage during his debut in-front of terrestrial TV cameras.
Simpson (18-1, 13 KOs) may have lost his undefeated record and British, Commonwealth and European 168-pound titles but not his sense of perspective.
He has battled through tough times outside the ring and made the stratospheric rise to stadium headliner against the backdrop of tragically losing his sister Lily-Rae in 2024.
Maree believes that he has the ideal character and attitude to get back on track.
"He's a very, very special individual and this is why - and it sounds ridiculous coming off a defeat - I’m even more convinced that Callum is going to make it," Maree told The Ring.
"We all went back to the dressing room and everybody's bottom lip was out. It was really sombre, really quiet. Callum came in and he went, 'For God's sake, guys, nobody's died. I've lost a boxing match. I'll win it again.'
"He's got an elite mindset, and I've always known that about Callum. Straight away, everything was just a matter of fact in his opinion. 'Listen, we're having a rematch. I was awful tonight, but I know I can put it right, and we will put it right. Let's get to work.'"
Simpson's determination to put things right is illustrated by deciding upon activating his rematch clause, getting Williamson back in the ring.
After the fight, speculation from outside Simpson's camp centred around whether he should take a different route rather than seeking an immediate return or even move up to light heavyweight. Neither suggestion was ever a serious option for him.
Maree believes he knows where things went wrong first time around and is fully behind Simpson's decision to plunge on with what will be a make-or-break night in his career.
"We've met since then and talked about where we want to head," Maree said.
"Weight categories, analysing things and he's adamant. We’ve looked at everything properly and agree the rematch is right for him next, that's what's going to happen."
Williamson's win saw him move up to No. 6 in the IBF 168-pound rankings. The sanctioning body's highest-ranked contender, Osleys Iglesias, awaits clarity on who he'll box for the world title Terence Crawford vacated - Williamson is the highest-ranked available option.
Last week, the 34-year-old told The Ring that whilst he was happy to fulfil his contractual obligations and face Simpson again, he was hopeful that timelines would allow him to fight Iglesias for the IBF title first.
That now looks very unlikely to happen. Although the details are still being ironed out, the rematch looks likely to take place in Yorkshire around late spring or early summer.
Although he will be disappointed, Williamson will need to quickly focus on the positives. He will enter the return supremely confident of beating Simpson for a second time and victory would only improve his ranking with the IBF.
"Troy's a great lad who I really like. It's not like someone's sticking one over Troy or holding anybody back. We've actually done him a massive turn giving him this shot," Maree said.
"The other thing is this will now be a very big fight. There's going to be a lot of interest in this fight now, people wondering how it's going to go - a massive fight for him on the BBC. For both fighters, profile-wise, it's a huge fight now, no doubt about it at all. By the time everything starts ramping up and we start building up towards it, it's going to be a big fight."
Callum Simpson's manager Kevin Maree has full belief the popular super middleweight will still reach the top.
The 29-year-old from Barnsley has been positioned as a chief cornerstone for BBC's return to big time boxing but on December 20, Troy Williamson dropped him four times before a 10th-round stoppage during his debut in-front of terrestrial TV cameras.
Simpson (18-1, 13 KOs) may have lost his undefeated record and British, Commonwealth and European 168-pound titles but not his sense of perspective.
He has battled through tough times outside the ring and made the stratospheric rise to stadium headliner against the backdrop of tragically losing his sister Lily-Rae in 2024.
Maree believes that he has the ideal character and attitude to get back on track.
"He's a very, very special individual and this is why - and it sounds ridiculous coming off a defeat - I’m even more convinced that Callum is going to make it," Maree told The Ring.
"We all went back to the dressing room and everybody's bottom lip was out. It was really sombre, really quiet. Callum came in and he went, 'For God's sake, guys, nobody's died. I've lost a boxing match. I'll win it again.'
"He's got an elite mindset, and I've always known that about Callum. Straight away, everything was just a matter of fact in his opinion. 'Listen, we're having a rematch. I was awful tonight, but I know I can put it right, and we will put it right. Let's get to work.'"
Simpson's determination to put things right is illustrated by deciding upon activating his rematch clause, getting Williamson back in the ring.
After the fight, speculation from outside Simpson's camp centred around whether he should take a different route rather than seeking an immediate return or even move up to light heavyweight. Neither suggestion was ever a serious option for him.
Maree believes he knows where things went wrong first time around and is fully behind Simpson's decision to plunge on with what will be a make-or-break night in his career.
"We've met since then and talked about where we want to head," Maree said.
"Weight categories, analysing things and he's adamant. We’ve looked at everything properly and agree the rematch is right for him next, that's what's going to happen."
Williamson's win saw him move up to No. 6 in the IBF 168-pound rankings. The sanctioning body's highest-ranked contender, Osleys Iglesias, awaits clarity on who he'll box for the world title Terence Crawford vacated - Williamson is the highest-ranked available option.
Last week, the 34-year-old told The Ring that whilst he was happy to fulfil his contractual obligations and face Simpson again, he was hopeful that timelines would allow him to fight Iglesias for the IBF title first.
That now looks very unlikely to happen. Although the details are still being ironed out, the rematch looks likely to take place in Yorkshire around late spring or early summer.
Although he will be disappointed, Williamson will need to quickly focus on the positives. He will enter the return supremely confident of beating Simpson for a second time and victory would only improve his ranking with the IBF.
"Troy's a great lad who I really like. It's not like someone's sticking one over Troy or holding anybody back. We've actually done him a massive turn giving him this shot," Maree said.
"The other thing is this will now be a very big fight. There's going to be a lot of interest in this fight now, people wondering how it's going to go - a massive fight for him on the BBC. For both fighters, profile-wise, it's a huge fight now, no doubt about it at all. By the time everything starts ramping up and we start building up towards it, it's going to be a big fight."
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SeanBrennan
- Bantamweight
- Posts: 9630
- Joined: 12 Feb 2022, 12:45
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
Thanks CocoCoco wrote: ↑18 Jan 2026, 05:48British title, 75k purseSeanBrennan wrote: ↑17 Jan 2026, 13:15 Does anyone know the size of the deal? And that purses the fighters will be getting paid?
I know I always ask this like a stuck record
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Bigdogsnose
- Middleweight
- Posts: 1436
- Joined: 02 Dec 2013, 08:36
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
This should be on the unpopular opinion thread but i still dont think Troys that good.
I really like him, hugely respect how tough and game he is and i want him to win. Just think he's been flattered by last two wins.
I watched the same lad follow kelly round the ring with his RH cocked ready to go, but
clueless how to fire it cos he couldn't get his feet right.
Whilst i dont think Simpsons any great shakes i think he could outbox him, even weight drained. He was god awful last fight but can surely only improve.
I really like him, hugely respect how tough and game he is and i want him to win. Just think he's been flattered by last two wins.
I watched the same lad follow kelly round the ring with his RH cocked ready to go, but
clueless how to fire it cos he couldn't get his feet right.
Whilst i dont think Simpsons any great shakes i think he could outbox him, even weight drained. He was god awful last fight but can surely only improve.
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Fearful_Freddie
- Heavyweight

- Posts: 883
- Joined: 05 Nov 2008, 23:36
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
That Kelly fight was awful to watch but I think he was weight drained at LM.
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
Williamson seems to have settled in quite well at SMW. Now the question becomes will Simpson be weight-drained and dehydrated to get down to 168?
Last edited by MPW on 18 Jan 2026, 15:53, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
But my guess, I have no insider info.SeanBrennan wrote: ↑18 Jan 2026, 08:49Thanks CocoCoco wrote: ↑18 Jan 2026, 05:48British title, 75k purseSeanBrennan wrote: ↑17 Jan 2026, 13:15 Does anyone know the size of the deal? And that purses the fighters will be getting paid?
I know I always ask this like a stuck record
Maybe Simpson will get a supplement due to ticket sales
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SeanBrennan
- Bantamweight
- Posts: 9630
- Joined: 12 Feb 2022, 12:45
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
I think a rematch will still sell well. Simpson was in the away end at Anfield last Monday night & was constantly mobbed for pictures. I don’t think his fan base is deserting him after one loss.
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
Will Boxer sign Troy and do right by him if he wins?
Will he get stripped by the WBU too?
Will he get stripped by the WBU too?
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Ruthless-RKO
- Welterweight
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- Joined: 24 Apr 2016, 11:59
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
He will either be stripped of the title or have to vacate it.
It's my understanding he can't defend against Simpson, who's coming off a loss. Plus, EBU rules prohibit direct rematches unless approved by their governing council, which has already ruled against it.
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margaret thatcher
- Featherweight
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- Joined: 22 Jul 2019, 15:43
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
ya i agree, troy is prob refreshed at 168 after cutting for so long but still very limitedBigdogsnose wrote: ↑18 Jan 2026, 09:40 This should be on the unpopular opinion thread but i still dont think Troys that good.
I really like him, hugely respect how tough and game he is and i want him to win. Just think he's been flattered by last two wins.
I watched the same lad follow kelly round the ring with his RH cocked ready to go, but
clueless how to fire it cos he couldn't get his feet right.
Whilst i dont think Simpsons any great shakes i think he could outbox him, even weight drained. He was god awful last fight but can surely only improve.
Re: Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | Rematch - May 2026
i don’t think Troy is world class and so if he fights for the world title i thinks he’ll go the highest bidder.margaret thatcher wrote: ↑20 Jan 2026, 13:48ya i agree, troy is prob refreshed at 168 after cutting for so long but still very limitedBigdogsnose wrote: ↑18 Jan 2026, 09:40 This should be on the unpopular opinion thread but i still dont think Troys that good.
I really like him, hugely respect how tough and game he is and i want him to win. Just think he's been flattered by last two wins.
I watched the same lad follow kelly round the ring with his RH cocked ready to go, but
clueless how to fire it cos he couldn't get his feet right.
Whilst i dont think Simpsons any great shakes i think he could outbox him, even weight drained. He was god awful last fight but can surely only improve.
but one way he could sign for boxxer …
chris eubank fight