Callum Simpson Claims British and Commonwealth Title in Thrilling Victory
Callum Simpson clinched the British and Commonwealth title at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, defeating Zak Chelli by unanimous decision. The hometown crowd erupted with joy as Simpson was declared “the new” champion after 12 intense rounds.
From the outset, Simpson made his presence known, stunning Chelli with a powerful right hand that left the Londoner visibly shaken in the first round. The Barnsley supporters cheered as Simpson maintained the momentum, using effective feints and landing significant shots to keep Chelli at bay.
Chelli, known for his forward movement, struggled to find his rhythm against Simpson’s aggressive style. Despite landing a solid right hand that caught Simpson off guard in the fourth round, Chelli was largely kept on the defensive.
As the fight progressed, Simpson’s pace dropped slightly in the fifth round, allowing Chelli to push back. However, Simpson quickly regained control and continued to pressure Chelli, driving him into the ropes in the ninth round.
Entering the final round, the crowd rallied behind Simpson, urging him to finish strong. He unleashed powerful combinations, targeting Chelli’s body while the challenger sought to clinch for respite. Despite Chelli throwing punches in a last-ditch effort, Simpson dominated the bout, with the judges scoring the fight 118-111, 118-110, and 117-111 in his favor.
In the post-fight interview, Simpson expressed his gratitude for the support he received. “It was amazing. The main thing for me was to not let the occasion get to me. I made a lot of mistakes, but a win is a win. I’m nowhere near the finished article, but we’re well on our way. I want to prove I’m the best in this division. I want to win the British title outright. Once I’ve cleaned up domestically, then we’ll push on.”
This victory not only cements Simpson’s status in the boxing world but also sets the stage for future ambitions within the sport.
