Callum Simpson returns for the third time in 2025 this weekend to take on unbeaten Ivan Zucco for European gold.
Simpson has been very active this year especially already fighting twice and winning both within the distance. He won British and Commonwealth Super Middleweight gold by beating Steed Woodall via a 2nd round TKO. Simpson then returned on short notice to take on Elvis Ahorgah who he beat within 5 rounds via another TKO win. The Barnsley man has now got an opportunity to headline at his home stadium for the 2nd time in just as many years. He has claimed that the constant activity is key to getting himself ready for world title honours next year.
Ivan Zucco stands in Simpsons way with a solid 21-0-0 record including 18 knockouts on his resume. The Italian Super Middleweight is fighting for the first time for the European title and for the first time on UK soil. He has almost exclusively fought out of Italy until his 19th and 21st bout which he fought in Spain and Switzerland. Zucco also has KO power with 18 knockouts In his 21 fights.
The undercard is relatively underwhelming but has some interesting names underneath the main.
Mark Jeffers returns to stay and keep active against a 18-2-0 Sean Hemphill.
Prospect Ryhs Edwards returns after a late notice loss to Peter McGrail in Saudi, he takes on the always tough Thomas Essomba.
Frankie Stringer makes a equal step up against the gatekeeper Kane Baker.
Ellis Price takes on the coincidently named Jake Price.
Red Johnson faces Harley Collinson.
Sam Hickey takes on the positive recorded Harley Hodgetts.
Mauro Silva returns to face Omir Rodriguez.
Callum Simpson Homecoming Vs Ivan Zucco Full Card-
Callum Simpson (17-0-0) Vs Ivan Zucco (21-0-0) European Super Middleweight Title-
Adam Azim (13-0-0) Vs Eliot Chavez (2-7-1)-
Mark Jeffers (20-0-0) Vs Sean Hemphill (18-2-0)-
Rhys Edwards (16-1-0) Vs Thomas Essomba (14-9-1)-
Frankie Stringer (9-0-0) Vs Kane Baker (19-12-2)-
Ellis Price (2-0-0) Vs Jake Price (1-3-1)-
Red Johnson (8-0-0) Vs Harley Collinson (3-2-2)-
Sam Hickey (2-0-0) Vs Harley Hodgetts (4-1-0)-
Mauro Silva (8-0-0) Vs Omir Rodriguez (15-27-1)-
Live Updates –
Callum Simpson Defeats Ivan Zucco via TKO
Round 1 – In a lively atmosphere Zucco catches Simpson straightaway and drops him as Simpson was caught square on, but Simpson catches Zucco straight back in the final minute as Zucco looks hurts.
Round 2 – Simpson seems to be leaning on Zucco, but when he does create space he is causing huge problems for the Italian.
Round 3 – Simpson is doing a lot of smothering at the moment, with Zucco taking a lot of damage off the rings, but Zucco catches Simpson and drops him again with the left hand this one causing more impact on Simpson.
Round 4 – Simpson pressurising Zucco again in the round, with the southpaw stance of Zucco being the biggest problem for the Englishman, with Simpson trying to use his long reach.
Round 5 – A lot of good Zucco’s work coming off the ropes in short distance, with his flurry of left hooks, as Zucco seems to be acclimatizing to the atmosphere well.
Round 6 – Simpson the fitter of the man as he pushes Zucco back into the corner as Zucco is working extremely hard for opportunities.
Round 7 – The rounds seem to be split in two with Zucco starting well, but with Simpson coming through at the end of the round with some good spells from both.
Round 8 – Simpson starting the round lively with his jabs, with Zucco using his left hook as his big weapon as he looks to start to feel the tempo with a few rounds left.
Round 9 – Simpson looking to turn the screw as he comes into his own, but Zucco still has that one punch that can turn the fight, but Simpson’s fitness levels seem to be the difference.
Round 10 – A superb few uppercuts by Simpson puts Zucco down as the Italian looks in trouble he goes down again and for the third time he goes down and that is that Callum Simpson wins and becomes the new European Super Middleweight champion.
Sean Hemphill Defeats Mark Jeffers via Unanimous Decision
In a very skilled fight, Hemphill definitely was a good test for Mark Jeffers as Jeffers looks to step up to higher levels every fight. Round 4 was where it started to liven up in exchanges as Jeffers made a impact on Hemphill with a few nice right hands. Hemphill was leaving himself a little bit open but still fought back throughout and kept making it a tight fight, which for the American was important.
The last few rounds were extremely tight as both men were exchanging blows but also not giving much away as the engines of both were important. Jeffers seemed to up the volume a tad more in the ninth but Hemphill wasn’t going away. A ridiculous end to end last round where Hemphill was founding the Jeffers head but Jeffers did seem to think he did enough in a very close fight, but the American snatches the result.
Rhys Edwards Defeats Thomas Essomba by Unanimous Decision
Essomba was a tricky customer throughout but Edwards just upped his urgency when he needed to grab a much needed victory after his recent loss to Peter Mcgrail. Essomba didn’t see defensively troubled from Edwards but also didn’t cause problems of his own, but Edwards controlled the fight and the tempo to grab an important win.
Sam Hickey Defeats Harley Hodgetts Via Unanimous Decision
In a one way fight Sam Hickey gets the decision over a tough Hodgetts who showed grit throughout but Hickey’s class shone bright in 6 very valuable rounds. Plenty of adjustments to make for future fights but a strong performance from Hickey grabs him the win.
Ellis Price Defeats Jake Price by TKO
In the battle of the Prices, it was the unbeaten Ellis that got the better of Jake as he didn’t stop punching and continued his relentless pressure to get the win.
Frankie Stringer Defeats Kane Baker via Unanimous decision
In a eventful fight, the always strong Kane Baker came to fight and push unbeaten Frankie Stringer, which he did throughout. Stringer though in his toughest test yet punched and moved well, which included plenty of solid flurries in each round. But Baker saw the bell and Stringer will continue to 10-0 and has a bright future ahead in the Lightweight division.
Mauro Silva Defeats Omir Rodrigues via Corner Retirement
In a very bemusing stoppage with Rodrigues’s team throwing the towel in the fourth round, but it wont matter to ‘super Mario’ Silva who performed well to get himself to 9-0. He definitely seems like someone that will look better against stronger opponents in the future.
Red Johnson Defeats Harley Collinson via Unanimous Decision
Featured image credits to Embed Sky Youtube Channel
