Callum Simpson unfazed by rival's latest mind games
The countdown is on for Callum Simpson’s big rematch against Troy Williamson
Troy Williamson says he admires the Team GB coaching team that has been guiding Callum Simpson in Sheffield for the past eight months.
But he insists that not even the technical prowess of elite trainer Rob McCracken and his group will be enough to influence the result on Saturday night.
Williamson, who stopped Simpson in December, says he is the superior athlete and claims the Barnsley/High Green fighter struggles to make super middleweight of 168 pounds.
Simpson certainly looks big for the division - even fellow South Yorkshire boxer Dave Allen describes him as a "light-heavyweight all day long."
Williamson, from Darlington, told a Boxxer press conference ahead of this weekend's fight at Leeds' First Direct Arena, “He's with a great team with Rob, and I respect them a lot. I was with them myself for many years when I boxed for Team GB, so I know what they're all about.
"They're great coaches, but unfortunately, it's not going to be enough. When I beat Callum on Saturday night, I want my world title shot. I do believe that by the end of 2026, I'll be a world champion."
Simpson, who will be backed by a huge travelling support, admits he made significant errors in their first contest.
"I got caught with a good shot. I got caught too much and let Troy punch me too much. It's not the best idea in a boxing match.
"I made too many mistakes and paid the price for it. When you're winning it's easy to not look at the mistakes you make and just keep on pushing forward.
"But after a loss there's time to sit back, reflect and you know realise that some change needs to be made. He thinks he's better than me, I think I'm better than him. We'll find out Saturday night.”
BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom said: "This is a very special day. The first big, big show between BOXXER and DAZN, and it is enormous. I think when we made this fight in December, it was a big fight, but we didn't expect the atmosphere, we didn't expect the numbers, we didn't expect the interest, and we didn't expect the fight that we got.
"Since then, the rivalry has built, and there are no bigger stakes than this on Saturday night. I believe the winner goes on to fight for a world title in the next six months."