Forged in Sheffield: A New Callum Simpson
Callum Simpson has been training at Sheffield's English Institute of Sport since losing his British, Commonwealth and European Super Middleweight titles
Callum Simpson hopes to show a revitalised and more comprehensive skill set a week on Saturday when he seeks title redemption against Troy Williamson.
The Barnsley fighter has been training at Sheffield's English Institute of Sport since losing his British, Commonwealth and European Super Middleweight titles to Darlington's Williamson last December.
The 29-year-old has nothing but respect for his former coach Mark Hurley of Dicky's Gym in Batley, but is now moving forward under a fresh coaching team.
That new direction has been shaped chiefly by Rob McCracken, one of Britain's most respected coaches, renowned for his disciplined, technically focused approach.
As Performance Director and head coach for GB Boxing over several years, he helped develop numerous Olympic medallists and world-class professionals.
Now he is looking after Simpson, who seeks revenge against Williamson at Leeds Arena on August 8.
Simpson told The Star: "I first went to meet him in early January. I felt I had to make a changes in my camp.
"Mark is an amazing coach and with him I won the European, British and Commonwealth titles, but I needed a change - things like being more disciplined, more mature and making better decisions under pressure.
"Rob is brilliant to work with, you can see why he is one of the most respected coaches in world boxing," said Simpson, currently living in High Green.
McCracken pays great attention to detail and believes in simplifying rather than over-complicating them: "He covers the basics very well."
Callum added that he was making "small improvements" in every session he takes part in at Sheffield's EIS base.
He has been working on "being more disciplined, controlling the pace rather than forcing things and thinking more in the ring."
His normal work routine includes strength and conditioning, rest and refuelling, walking, meditation, breathing work, sparring and studying the technical aspects of the sport.
In this camp, he has sparred with the likes of Kyle Davies, Tom Rafferty, Sam Hickey and Niall Brown.
"I have been fortunate to have been with some top class fighters" he says.
Simpson v Williamson II will be broadcast live on DAZN.