Troy Williamson vs. Callum Simpson II | DAZN - 8 August 2026

[Ruthless-RKO]

Troy Williamson gives prediction for Callum Simpson rematch: “It won’t go past six rounds this time”

Troy Williamson is treating Callum Simpson rematch as a world title fight

‘Trojan’ Troy Williamson, 34, had recently rebuilt momentum in the super-middleweight division following a difficult run earlier in his career.

His move up to 168lb proved highly successful, beginning with an impressive win over Mark Dickinson to secure the English title.

He then went on to defeat rival Callum Simpson in December via TKO, claiming the British, Commonwealth and European titles in the process.

That victory had positioned Williamson as a leading contender for a world title shot against IBF and IBO champ Osleys Iglesias. However, Simpson’s decision to enforce the rematch clause has delayed that opportunity, with the pair now set to meet again.

Due to EBU regulations preventing immediate rematches for the European title, Williamson has vacated the belt, meaning the upcoming contest will instead be for the British and Commonwealth titles.

Speaking to Rob Smith from Pure Digital PR, Troy voiced his frustrations with having to rematch someone who he has already beaten and how he felt his next fight should have been against Iglesias for a world title.

“Not many boxers get the opportunity to fight for a world title. I was next in line, let me go and fight for a world title.

“Let me go and fight for a world title, and I’ll give you a defence for the title. I don’t see the harm; they’re obviously blocking me from getting that shot,” Troy said.

Troy went on to talk about the difficulties a boxer can face when they’re contractually obliged to fight someone who they have beaten.

“It’s ridiculous, it’s frustrating! I could understand it if it was close, but he’s [Simpson] making a bad decision activating the rematch, because how can you come back off two back-to-back knockouts?” Troy stated.

Simpson is notoriously big for super-middleweight, and Troy believed it was in Callum’s best interest to forget the rematch and move up in weight. “He’s in a similar situation as I was previously. He needs to move up; he’s [Simpson] too big for a super-middleweight.

“I don’t think that’s the reason why I won; I think I’m just a better fighter, but it played a part, because I know how much it takes out of you when you’re killing yourself to make the weight.

“It’s been months since the first fight; it’s only going to get harder and harder for him to make the weight, so that’s why it won’t go past six rounds this time,” Troy claimed.

Despite his frustration in waiting to do battle again, Troy said he is extra motivated to make a statement. “I need to make a bigger statement than what I did in the first fight; that is why it won’t go past six!”

When asked if the rematch is halting his momentum, Williamson said, “I’ll class this as my world title fight, because I know once I get rid of him, I’ll definitely get my world title shot after.”

[keithmoonhangover]

Troy Williamson gives prediction for Callum Simpson rematch: “It won’t go past six rounds this time”

Troy Williamson is treating Callum Simpson rematch as a world title fight

‘Trojan’ Troy Williamson, 34, had recently rebuilt momentum in the super-middleweight division following a difficult run earlier in his career.

His move up to 168lb proved highly successful, beginning with an impressive win over Mark Dickinson to secure the English title.

He then went on to defeat rival Callum Simpson in December via TKO, claiming the British, Commonwealth and European titles in the process.

That victory had positioned Williamson as a leading contender for a world title shot against IBF and IBO champ Osleys Iglesias. However, Simpson’s decision to enforce the rematch clause has delayed that opportunity, with the pair now set to meet again.

Due to EBU regulations preventing immediate rematches for the European title, Williamson has vacated the belt, meaning the upcoming contest will instead be for the British and Commonwealth titles.

Speaking to Rob Smith from Pure Digital PR, Troy voiced his frustrations with having to rematch someone who he has already beaten and how he felt his next fight should have been against Iglesias for a world title.

“Not many boxers get the opportunity to fight for a world title. I was next in line, let me go and fight for a world title.

“Let me go and fight for a world title, and I’ll give you a defence for the title. I don’t see the harm; they’re obviously blocking me from getting that shot,” Troy said.

Troy went on to talk about the difficulties a boxer can face when they’re contractually obliged to fight someone who they have beaten.

“It’s ridiculous, it’s frustrating! I could understand it if it was close, but he’s [Simpson] making a bad decision activating the rematch, because how can you come back off two back-to-back knockouts?” Troy stated.

Simpson is notoriously big for super-middleweight, and Troy believed it was in Callum’s best interest to forget the rematch and move up in weight. “He’s in a similar situation as I was previously. He needs to move up; he’s [Simpson] too big for a super-middleweight.

“I don’t think that’s the reason why I won; I think I’m just a better fighter, but it played a part, because I know how much it takes out of you when you’re killing yourself to make the weight.

“It’s been months since the first fight; it’s only going to get harder and harder for him to make the weight, so that’s why it won’t go past six rounds this time,” Troy claimed.

Despite his frustration in waiting to do battle again, Troy said he is extra motivated to make a statement. “I need to make a bigger statement than what I did in the first fight; that is why it won’t go past six!”

When asked if the rematch is halting his momentum, Williamson said, “I’ll class this as my world title fight, because I know once I get rid of him, I’ll definitely get my world title shot after.”

I think he'll walk right through Callum.

[Taansend]

I'm just worried about Wilson making the weight safely.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

[Ruthless-RKO]

SIMPSON TALKS POSITIVES AFTER WILLIAMSON LOSS: 'BACK TO BASICS'

- Throughout the rapid rise from small halls to his hometown team's football stadium, Barnsley's Callum Simpson always appeared unfazed by ever-increasing pressure and expectation he shouldered.

Whether he was in the gym at the very start of his career, in a sports centre changing room after winning an area title or holding court as hundreds of friends and fans attended public workouts, Simpson (18-1, 13 KOs) was always the same, amiable character.

In December, his run came to an end. The 29-year-old lost his unbeaten record as well as the British, Commonwealth and European super middleweight titles when dropped four times and stopped in ten rounds by Troy Williamson (22-4-1, 16 KOs).

On August 8, the two will meet again at Leeds' First Direct Arena as the headliner launching Boxxer's new broadcast deal with DAZN.

Earlier this week, the pair came face-to-face at the rematch's first press conference.

Standing just yards away from the man who stopped him and surrounding by banners and hoardings advertising by far the most significant night of his career, Simpson presented his usual calm demeanour.

"That's just me," Simpson told The Ring.

"I'm me. Since my pro debut, headlining at my football stadium, on the BBC, on Sky, and now on DAZN, I'm just me, and I'll never change for no one. No matter how much success, money, or whatever title I get, I'm just me. A down-to-earth, working-class lad from Barnsley. Proud to be from Barnsley, a proper Yorkshire lad.

"I'll never be something I'm not. There's no reason to."
That laid back, matter-of-fact attitude helped Simpson cope with defeat. When a fighter has ascended as quickly and smoothly as Simpson, a first career loss can leave them at a crossroads. The easiest option is for them to concentrate on the victories that came before it and continue along the same path.

Simpson maintains that he wasn't himself first time around but has forced himself to examine why.

After sifting through the wreckage of the loss, he made the difficult decision to leave his longtime trainer and friend Mark Hurley. He took himself to the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, where he now trains under the renowned Rob McCracken.

"Everyone says, 'Maybe it's a good thing it happened'. I wouldn't say it's a good thing that I lost but you've got to look at the positives from it and feel like I've made changes that needed to be made and working on things I need to work on," he said.

"I never boxed for Team GB, never even won a national or regional title [as an amateur] but definitely gone back to basics with Rob. I'm never going to lose what I've worked on with Mark but it's what I can add to that as well."

[rd350lc]

Troy Williamson gives prediction for Callum Simpson rematch: “It won’t go past six rounds this time”

Troy Williamson is treating Callum Simpson rematch as a world title fight

‘Trojan’ Troy Williamson, 34, had recently rebuilt momentum in the super-middleweight division following a difficult run earlier in his career.

His move up to 168lb proved highly successful, beginning with an impressive win over Mark Dickinson to secure the English title.

He then went on to defeat rival Callum Simpson in December via TKO, claiming the British, Commonwealth and European titles in the process.

That victory had positioned Williamson as a leading contender for a world title shot against IBF and IBO champ Osleys Iglesias. However, Simpson’s decision to enforce the rematch clause has delayed that opportunity, with the pair now set to meet again.

Due to EBU regulations preventing immediate rematches for the European title, Williamson has vacated the belt, meaning the upcoming contest will instead be for the British and Commonwealth titles.

Speaking to Rob Smith from Pure Digital PR, Troy voiced his frustrations with having to rematch someone who he has already beaten and how he felt his next fight should have been against Iglesias for a world title.

“Not many boxers get the opportunity to fight for a world title. I was next in line, let me go and fight for a world title.

“Let me go and fight for a world title, and I’ll give you a defence for the title. I don’t see the harm; they’re obviously blocking me from getting that shot,” Troy said.

Troy went on to talk about the difficulties a boxer can face when they’re contractually obliged to fight someone who they have beaten.

“It’s ridiculous, it’s frustrating! I could understand it if it was close, but he’s [Simpson] making a bad decision activating the rematch, because how can you come back off two back-to-back knockouts?” Troy stated.

Simpson is notoriously big for super-middleweight, and Troy believed it was in Callum’s best interest to forget the rematch and move up in weight. “He’s in a similar situation as I was previously. He needs to move up; he’s [Simpson] too big for a super-middleweight.

“I don’t think that’s the reason why I won; I think I’m just a better fighter, but it played a part, because I know how much it takes out of you when you’re killing yourself to make the weight.

“It’s been months since the first fight; it’s only going to get harder and harder for him to make the weight, so that’s why it won’t go past six rounds this time,” Troy claimed.

Despite his frustration in waiting to do battle again, Troy said he is extra motivated to make a statement. “I need to make a bigger statement than what I did in the first fight; that is why it won’t go past six!”

When asked if the rematch is halting his momentum, Williamson said, “I’ll class this as my world title fight, because I know once I get rid of him, I’ll definitely get my world title shot after.”

I think he'll walk right through Callum.

Seems to have found big power all of a sudden. Maybe he was really boiling right down before.

[keithmoonhangover]

Troy Williamson gives prediction for Callum Simpson rematch: “It won’t go past six rounds this time”

Troy Williamson is treating Callum Simpson rematch as a world title fight

‘Trojan’ Troy Williamson, 34, had recently rebuilt momentum in the super-middleweight division following a difficult run earlier in his career.

His move up to 168lb proved highly successful, beginning with an impressive win over Mark Dickinson to secure the English title.

He then went on to defeat rival Callum Simpson in December via TKO, claiming the British, Commonwealth and European titles in the process.

That victory had positioned Williamson as a leading contender for a world title shot against IBF and IBO champ Osleys Iglesias. However, Simpson’s decision to enforce the rematch clause has delayed that opportunity, with the pair now set to meet again.

Due to EBU regulations preventing immediate rematches for the European title, Williamson has vacated the belt, meaning the upcoming contest will instead be for the British and Commonwealth titles.

Speaking to Rob Smith from Pure Digital PR, Troy voiced his frustrations with having to rematch someone who he has already beaten and how he felt his next fight should have been against Iglesias for a world title.

“Not many boxers get the opportunity to fight for a world title. I was next in line, let me go and fight for a world title.

“Let me go and fight for a world title, and I’ll give you a defence for the title. I don’t see the harm; they’re obviously blocking me from getting that shot,” Troy said.

Troy went on to talk about the difficulties a boxer can face when they’re contractually obliged to fight someone who they have beaten.

“It’s ridiculous, it’s frustrating! I could understand it if it was close, but he’s [Simpson] making a bad decision activating the rematch, because how can you come back off two back-to-back knockouts?” Troy stated.

Simpson is notoriously big for super-middleweight, and Troy believed it was in Callum’s best interest to forget the rematch and move up in weight. “He’s in a similar situation as I was previously. He needs to move up; he’s [Simpson] too big for a super-middleweight.

“I don’t think that’s the reason why I won; I think I’m just a better fighter, but it played a part, because I know how much it takes out of you when you’re killing yourself to make the weight.

“It’s been months since the first fight; it’s only going to get harder and harder for him to make the weight, so that’s why it won’t go past six rounds this time,” Troy claimed.

Despite his frustration in waiting to do battle again, Troy said he is extra motivated to make a statement. “I need to make a bigger statement than what I did in the first fight; that is why it won’t go past six!”

When asked if the rematch is halting his momentum, Williamson said, “I’ll class this as my world title fight, because I know once I get rid of him, I’ll definitely get my world title shot after.”

I think he'll walk right through Callum.

Seems to have found big power all of a sudden. Maybe he was really boiling right down before.

He's one of those guys who's always in the gym. Even between fights he's ripped.