The Park Community Arena in Sheffield kicks off British boxing in 2025 this Saturday evening, and in the main event, Callum Simpson of nearby Barnsley, defends his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles against Steed Woodall.
Ben Shalom’s BOXXER promote Simpson vs Woodall and Sky Sports televise live in the UK, whilst the bout is available on Peacock in the USA.
Simpson (15-0, 10 KOs) has flourished under the BOXXER banner, and dominant points wins over ten rounds against Boris Crighton and Jose de Jesus Macias paved the way for a shot at British and Commonwealth belts.
The 28-year-old would get that shot at the home of his beloved Barnsley Football Club.
Simpson proved too good for Zak Chelli, and took a wide points win to take the duo of titles on offer last August.
He now faces Woodall (19-2-1, 12 KOs), ‘The Stallion’ who hails from Birmingham.
The 30-year-old had campaigned in American and Panama early on in his career, and after defeating the aforementioned Crighton over eight in April 2023, he then gave Padraig McCrory a decent argument before losing on points over ten rounds four months later.
Woodall is coming off a career-best win, halting Lerrone Richards in six rounds in an upset in Bolton to take the WBO Intercontinental super middleweight crown last June.
Prediction: Simpson is a real prospect to watch this year, and I think he can get the job done against Woodall, but most likely on the scorecards.
Dubois makes maiden world title defence
On the undercard, Caroline Dubois makes a first defence of her WBC lightweight world title against Canada’s Jessica Camara.
Dubois (10-0, 5 KOs) had previously served as IBO champion and added the interim WBC belt to her collection last August, winning every round against Maira Moneo.
She was subsequently elevated to full champion after Katie Taylor vacated.
Camara (14-4, 3 KOs) is a former world title challenger, and April last year saw her score a split decision upset win against the undefeated former world champion, Hyun Mi Choi.
Prediction: Dubois will want to showcase her talent here, and with Camara halted three times in four defeats, Dubois can make a statement by winning inside schedule.
Remaining Undercard
Cruiserweight prospect Scott Forrest (6-0, 3 KOs) can halt Deevorn Miller (8-2, 6 KOs).
The sole eight rounder is at light heavyweight, where Billy Deniz (12-0, 5 KOs) will likely need the distance to get the win against Mickey Ellison (15-7, 5 KOs).
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In middleweight six rounders, Sam Hickey (1-0) should be a points winner against Lewis Howells (3-1), and Mauro Silva (6-0, 3 KOs) can do the same against Emmanuel Zion (6-2, 3 KOs).
Ellis Price (1-0) should secure a points victory over four rounds against debutant Liam Fitzmaurice at lightweight.
