Williamson Shocks Simpson in Thrilling Title Fight
In a thrilling encounter on Saturday night at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds, Troy Williamson shocked local crowd favorites by delivering a stunning upset against Callum Simpson, claiming the British, Commonwealth, and European super-middleweight titles. Previously undefeated, with an impressive record of 18 victories, Simpson faced a significant challenge against Williamson, who proved to be a relentless opponent in the ring.
Match Highlights
Throughout the match, Simpson appeared to struggle with Williamson’s overhand rights, frequently finding himself on the defensive. The turning point came in the 10th round, where a series of powerful strikes saw Simpson knocked down multiple times. As Simpson fought to recover without his mouthguard, the referee deemed it necessary to halt the contest after the fourth knockdown, allowing Williamson to seize victory amidst jubilant celebrations.
Williamson’s Reflection
Following his triumph, Williamson reflected on his journey, stating, “Nobody believes in me more than myself. This is my weight division and I showed it tonight.” He revealed that he had carried a signed statement in his car, affirming his ambition to become champion, which he had signed just weeks earlier on October 28. His determination culminated in what he described as his dream performance, as he joyfully acknowledged a new chapter in his career.
Career Milestones
At 34 years old, Williamson has marked his place as a two-weight British champion, having previously held the light-middleweight title. This victory also comes on the heels of a challenging recent record, where he faced setbacks in three of his last five matches. For Simpson, this bout represented a significant defeat, marking his first loss as a professional despite being ahead on judges’ scorecards prior to the stoppage.
Simpson’s Response
In addressing the crowd, he expressed gratitude for their ongoing support, despite the loss, and pledged to return stronger, hinting at the possibility of a rematch in the future. Simpson noted, “I thought I was winning most of the rounds. It was always going to be a tough fight with Troy and I got caught with a very good shot.” Additionally, he resonated with the crowd, whom he personally thanked for their unwavering support.
Dedication and Future Plans
Williamson dedicated his win to his young son, expressing emotional motivation as he promised to return home with the belts. He said, “This fight has changed my life. I want my children to have a better upbringing than I had. I deserve that tonight with a performance of a lifetime.”
Upcoming Matches
In other news from the boxing world, promoter Ben Shalom announced upcoming matches, including a headline bout for Adam Azim against Argentina’s Gustavo Lemos slated for January 31 on BBC Two. Shalom also shared aspirations for future bouts featuring rising stars Dalton Smith, Chris Eubank Jr., and undefeated champions Claressa Shields and Lauren Price. The boxing calendar for 2025 looks to be filled with exciting matchups that fans will anticipate as the new year unfolds.
