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.

[MPW]

I think of him as a pro's pro. Dedicated to his craft and always working to improve, and not letting himself go to hell in between bouts.

Even so, I still didn't like his chances in the first fight against Simpson - I guess I bought into his hype - and put too much stock in Williamson's recent performances against Tucker, Davis, and Agyarko. In hindsight, it seemed boiling down to get under 160 for Tucker and crazily 154 for Davis and Agyarko took too much lot out of him. To me, it appears that he's best suited for 168.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Troy Williamson: 'I believe Callum Simpson was pushed into rematch'

Troy Williamson waited six months for the chance to look Callum Simpson in the eye.

The two were last in each other’s company on December 20, when Williamson dropped the popular Barnsley man four times and stopped him in the 10th round to become the new British, Commonwealth and European super middleweight champion.

On Tuesday, Williamson (22-4-1, 16 KO’s) got his chance to meet his rival again. He and Simpson (18-1, 13 KO’s) spent the full day together as they began publicizing their August 8 rematch.

The event will be the first of Boxxer’s new deal with DAZN, which will broadcast the grudge match from the First Direct Arena in Leeds.

Williamson has complained long and loud about how long it has taken Simpson to finalize the return, but the 34-year-old from Darlington was calm and composed when the two came face to face.

“I don't really take much from it, to be fair. I hope he's ready. I want the best Callum Simpson for the rematch,” a clearly confident Williamson told The Ring. “I think he activated the rematch just down to pride alone. I think he's been pushed into it, if I'm honest.

“Like I said, he needs to move up [in weight], he should move up. I'm going to knock him out again. And coming back from two knockout losses, it's going to be hard.”

Beating Simpson lifted Williamson to the No. 6 position in the IBF super middleweight rankings.

At the turn of the year, he told The Ring that he was expecting the call to face Cuba’s Osleys Iglesias for the governing body’s vacant 168-pound title. Williamson was contacted about the fight but his contracted rematch with Simpson prevented him from accepting the opportunity to face The Ring’s No.2-ranked 168-pounder.

In April, that same obligation stopped him from fighting Germany’s Simon Zachenhuber on the undercard of Tyson Fury’s unanimous decision victory over Russia’s Arslanbek Makhmudov at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Williamson now has his date and is certain that big opportunities will once again present themselves should he score a repeat victory.

“Yeah, I'm highly ranked in all governing bodies. Obviously, my full focus is on Callum, but beat Callum and then I'll get my opportunity again,” he said.

“I really, really believe by the end of this year I will be a world champion.”

[Kilburn]

Domestically, match ups don’t get much better than this.

Simpson’s career is pretty much on the line, while Williamson is apparently freakishly dedicated to repeating the win and going even further afterwards.

[MasterG]

Have tickets only gone on sale today? Selling pretty quick. Got a couple of the 80 quid ones. Hope decent undercard for this

[Flump]

Let's hope this time if Simpson is getting a shellacking, he doesn't have another brave A-side loving ref

[MPW]

Domestically, match ups don’t get much better than this.

Simpson’s career is pretty much on the line, while Williamson is apparently freakishly dedicated to repeating the win and going even further afterwards.

This one is set up to be an outstanding matchup, with several interesting side plots. Williamson will be motivated by the way Simpson's team treated him over the rematch and to prove the first bout wasn't a fluke, while I agree with you that Simpson's career as a top-level fighter hangs in the balance.

[rio]

Held Troys careers up for the last 8 months. Lost a world title shot, his EBU belt and a career high payday on Fury undercard. Hope Troy ices him.

[TheLeprechaun]

Held Troys careers up for the last 8 months. Lost a world title shot, his EBU belt and a career high payday on Fury undercard. Hope Troy ices him.

As I understand it Troy signed a contract and then tried to get out of it?

[Coco]

Held Troys careers up for the last 8 months. Lost a world title shot, his EBU belt and a career high payday on Fury undercard. Hope Troy ices him.

As I understand it Troy signed a contract and then tried to get out of it?

Signed a rematch contract, unfortunately it didn't stipulate a timescale for it leaving Williamson inactive, missing opportunities until Simpson was ready

[a force]

Held Troys careers up for the last 8 months. Lost a world title shot, his EBU belt and a career high payday on Fury undercard. Hope Troy ices him.

Sorry but this is just nonsense.

Simpson’s career has also being held up.

They were both under contract & waiting on dates.

Let’s not forget that Williamson was on the scrap heap & Simpson voluntarily gave him a chance. He should be thanking his lucky stars that he was given the shot.

[rio]

Held Troys careers up for the last 8 months. Lost a world title shot, his EBU belt and a career high payday on Fury undercard. Hope Troy ices him.

Sorry but this is just nonsense.

Simpson’s career has also being held up.

They were both under contract & waiting on dates.

Let’s not forget that Williamson was on the scrap heap & Simpson voluntarily gave him a chance. He should be thanking his lucky stars that he was given the shot.

Rubbish. Troy has been ready since March. Simpson has pulled out of 3 diffrent dates. Instead of letting him having a fight inbetween they blocked him. Just had a kid recently and wasnt able to earn because of Simpson and Shalom.