TRUE GRIT: CALLUM SIMPSON DEFENDS BRITISH & COMMONWEALTH TITLES AGAINST STEED WOODALL ON JANUARY 11TH IN SHEFFIELD
Callum Simpson defends his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles against Steed Woodall on Saturday, January 11th at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield
Simpson returns to South Yorkshire following his title winning fight at Oakwell Stadium for the first defence of his belts as the Barnsley boxer looks to establish himself as the region’s latest star
Birmingham’s Woodall will be aiming to spoil the party after his spectacular stoppage win over the previously unbeaten Lerrone Richards
SHEFFIELD, UK – Callum Simpson defends his British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight Titles against Steed Woodall on Saturday, January 11th at the Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield, presented by BOXXER, live and exclusive on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland and Peacock in the USA.
Caroline Dubois is also set for action against former world title challenger Jessica Camara as BOXXER kickstarts their 2025 schedule in Sheffield.
Simpson (15-0, 10 KOs) is the latest boxing star to emerge from South Yorkshire. Following in the footsteps of modern greats including Naseem Hamed, Kell Brook, Clinton Woods and Johnny Nelson, the undefeated 28-year-old will be looking to forge his own legacy having put his hometown of Barnsley on the boxing map with a dominant display to capture the British and Commonwealth Titles in August.
Fighting in front of a sold-out crowd at Oakwell Stadium, Simpson proved his pulling power and boxing prowess by dethroning reigning champion Zak Chelli via a unanimous points decision.
Simpson will be making the first defence of his belts against Birmingham’s Woodall (19-2-1, 12 KOs) and can expect a tough ride from the 30-year-old known as ‘The Stallion’, who will be full of confidence having claimed a career best win over the previously unbeaten Lerrone Richards in June.
Dubois (10-0, 5 KOs), considered by many as the number one prospect in women’s boxing and heir apparent to Katie Taylor’s throne, returns to Yorkshire having dropped and defeated Maira Moneo to claim the WBC Interim Lightweight Title at Oakwell Stadium in August.
The 23-year-old is targeting an all-British unification clash with Doncaster’s Terri Harper, the current WBO lightweight champion, but must first get past former super lightweight world title challenger Camara (14-4, 3 KOs), the highly ranked Canadian, who will be looking to derail the young Londoner’s promising career.
Callum Simpson said: “Winning the belts in Barnsley was a dream come true. It’s a moment I’ll never forget – hearing the crowd roar and seeing so many familiar faces made it extra special. Defending my titles in Sheffield is a great opportunity to bring even more people along for the ride and show them what I’m about.
“Yorkshire has such a proud boxing history. I want to do the county proud and add to that legacy. Being a Yorkshireman means having that Yorkshire grit and working hard. It gives me extra motivation to push myself and represent the county on the biggest stages.
“Steed is a solid fighter. He’s experienced and I know he’ll be at his best. This is his opportunity, but I’ll be prepared for everything he might bring. I respect him, but I’m confident in my own abilities and preparation. I know I’ve got what it takes to get the job done.”
Steed Woodall said: “Callum is young and eager to impress. I will use this to my advantage. He’s ticked all the boxes so far, but his chin and resilience hasn’t been tested. I expect fireworks in this fight!
“This type of fight has been a long time coming for me and is one I will relish. This win means everything to me and providing a better life for my daughter. Styles make fights and I don’t have to go looking for Callum as he will meet me in the middle, which is exactly the type of fight I excel in. I wish Callum all the best in camp because there are deep waters ahead. May the best man win.”
BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “What a start to the year. Two of the country’s brightest stars back in action for an unmissable night of boxing in Sheffield. Yorkshire has always been a hotbed for boxing talent. Callum Simpson is ready to take the mantle and fly the flag for Yorkshire on the world stage. He has a tough night ahead of him against Steed Woodall, who is coming off the back of an incredible knockout win over Lerrone Richards. This promises to be a real acid test for Simpson and an all-action fight for the British and Commonwealth Titles.
“Add to that Caroline Dubois, one of the most exciting female fighters in the world, in a must-win fight against Jessica Camara. Caroline has a big future ahead of her. She has her sights set on world titles and unifications but will need to be at her best to overcome an experienced, world-level operator like Camara.”