Callum Simpson isn’t accustomed to being on the canvas, however needed to get better from two knockdowns to batter down Ivan Zucco and win the European championship on an emotional night time in his hometown.
In entrance of his supporters on the Oakwell Stadium, with outstanding resilience Simpson merely couldn’t let himself lose.
“No chance,” he advised Sky Sports activities. “I’m Barnsley born and bred, I’ve got Yorkshire grit and I was never going to give up, especially with this support behind me as well.”
He believes the vulnerability he confirmed in visiting the canvas for the primary time in his skilled profession might tempt higher-profile opponents into taking him on.
“Hopefully. I think they’re probably going to watch that and go: ‘He got dropped first round.’ It’s probably more enticing. There’s probably more chance of me getting fights now,” Simpson stated.
Hamza Sheeraz has stepped as much as super-middleweight and Simpson now hopes to field him subsequent, saying: “Hopefully if he will get via [Edgar] Berlanga.
“To be fair even if he gets beat by Berlanga, I think it’s still a massive fight so why not? I’d love that fight.”
He believes these knockdowns and the expertise of such an intense struggle, which Simpson received after placing Zucco down thrice within the tenth spherical, will develop him as a fighter.
“It wasn’t unexpected, I just got caught with a very good shot,” Simpson stated. “It is boxing, whenever you’re preventing for a European title you are going to take some good pictures.
Please use Chrome browser for a extra accessible video participant
Zucco dropped Simpson with simply eight seconds on the clock, however could not go on to win
“My legs were there, got to work. I thought I could fight fire with fire too much, I think he was fighting off fear most of the fight.
“That is what you want, it wasn’t going to be a straightforward struggle.”
Simpson is determined to build towards a world title fight in 2026. “I’ve taken the normal route, it is about stepping up in ranges and I need to preserve pushing on,” he said.
“I am not saying I am world stage but, it is about being sensible. However in my subsequent six fights I will be preventing for a world title.”
