Callum Simpson is a throwback. The British and Commonwealth super-middleweight champion is taking two title fights in three weeks, a rate of activity rarely seen at that level.
He accepted Saturday’s Commonwealth championship defence against Elvis Ahorgah, live on Sky Sports, at just two weeks’ notice and one week after his last fight.
“They needed someone to save the show!” said Simpson, who was happy to oblige.
“I’m no stranger to quick turnarounds with fights,” he added. “It’s not the first time that I’ve done this.
“I live the life. I think that’s the important thing.
“I went out and had a bit of food but luckily it was only a week so I’ve not put too much weight on!”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Callum Simpson dedicated his win over Steed Woodall to his sister, who tragically passed away at just 19 due to an accident
Ahorgah had been due to fight Mark Jeffers at the end of last year and was in training for another fight. “He was ready to go December and he was ready to go the week after this. So he’s fit, ready,” Simpson said of his opponent.
“His record, he’s got 13 wins, 12 coming by knockout so he obviously carries power. I’ve watched a couple of his knockouts and he does carry power. A lot of his stoppages, they’re not soft stoppages a lot of them, they are clean knockouts.
“We’ve seen enough of what we need to see and as long as I do what I do we’ll be getting the win.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The referee jumped in controversially in the second round, giving Callum Simpson the TKO win over Steed Woodall
Simpson saw off the challenge of Steed Woodall on January 11 in Sheffield, which the referee ended in the second round. It wasn’t gruelling for Simpson physically. But it would have been draining emotionally.
Simpson was boxing for the first time since the tragic death of his 19-year-old sister, Lily-Rae.
“It was a very special night,” Simpson told Sky Sports. “I can manage my emotions quite well. I knew I had to be fully focused going into that fight and I knew that I would be throughout camp and on fight night.
“It was an emotional night after. I knew that I had to keep control before and then when my family got in the ring and I did the interview and reflected what I’d been going through in the past few months, that was a bit emotional.
“It was a bitter-sweet night. It was joyful because I got the win and because of everyone that was there to support me.
“The one person that wasn’t there was my sister, Lily-Rae. We did a great tribute for her and I feel like I did her proud and dedicated that fight to her.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Callum Simpson opens up about the tragic loss of his 19-year old sister, who died while on holiday just weeks after he had won his last fight at Oakwell
By taking this short-notice contest at Wembley Arena on Saturday, Simpson is putting a lot on the line. A loss could rule him out of headlining at Oakwell stadium in his Barnsley hometown this summer.
But he is undeterred. “I didn’t have to take this fight,” Simpson said. “Every fight’s a risk.
“I never underestimate my opponent, I never overlook them. I’m always planning what’s next but I make sure that I’m focused on this.
“[For that stadium fight] there’s potential of European titles or defending the British, maybe even fighting a world title eliminator, fighting someone that’s top 10 world ranked. So we’ve got a lot of options.
“I believe in my ability, I believe in my preparation and I love to fight,” he added cheerfully. “I’d fight every weekend if I could.”
Watch Callum Simpson vs Elvis Ahorgah on Saturday, live on Sky Sports from 7pm. Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW.