In a seismic upset that reverberated through the First Direct Bank Arena, Troy Williamson defied the odds and silenced a partisan Leeds crowd, delivering a brilliant, career-defining performance to stop the previously undefeated Callum Simpson in the tenth round. The dramatic victory saw Williamson, a seasoned veteran, claim the British, Commonwealth, and European super-middleweight titles, dramatically altering the landscape of the domestic and continental scene.
The atmosphere on Saturday night was electric, thick with expectation for local hero Callum Simpson. Unbeaten in 19 professional fights, Simpson arrived with a formidable reputation and the unwavering support of his loyal fanbase, who filled the arena with raucous "Yorkshire, Yorkshire, Yorkshire" chants from the opening bell. Many of those tickets had been personally sold by the Barnsley native, underscoring the deep connection he shared with his supporters. Simpson was touted as the next big thing, a rising star poised to cement his status on home soil against a perceived faded force.
However, Williamson, 34, arrived with a different script in mind. Despite a "torrid run" that had seen him lose three of his last five bouts, casting a shadow over his recent career, the former light-middleweight British champion harbored an unshakeable belief in his own destiny. This belief wasn’t merely abstract; it was meticulously documented. As he revealed after the fight, he carried a piece of paper, a personal manifesto, that he read multiple times a day. On it, he had signed a declaration on October 28th: "I will become British, Commonwealth and European champion on 20 December. I will knock out Callum Simpson." This wasn’t just a fight for titles; it was a testament to the power of manifestation and a desperate bid for redemption.
From the outset, the fight was a captivating tactical battle. While Simpson, the younger man, aimed to assert his dominance and maintain his perfect record, Williamson displayed an unexpected aggression and tactical nous. Simpson, usually a front-foot fighter, found himself on the back foot for significant portions of the contest, struggling to effectively counter Williamson’s relentless pressure and, crucially, his powerful overhand right. This particular punch became a recurring nightmare for Simpson, landing with thudding regularity and slowly chipping away at his defenses.
Despite Williamson’s impressive work rate and impactful shots, Simpson, to his credit, remained competitive. He demonstrated resilience and moments of his own sharp boxing, landing clean shots that kept the judges’ scorecards tight. Indeed, when the fight was eventually halted, Simpson was actually ahead on the judges’ scorecards, a testament to the nuanced nature of boxing where effective aggression doesn’t always translate to winning rounds in the eyes of all officials. The Leeds crowd continued to roar their encouragement, urging their hero to find a breakthrough, sensing the tension of a fight that could swing either way.
The tenth round, however, proved to be the dramatic turning point. Williamson, sensing a shift in momentum and perhaps knowing he needed a definitive statement, stepped up his assault. He unleashed a ferocious barrage that Simpson struggled to absorb. The cumulative effect of Williamson’s pressure and his potent overhand rights began to tell. Simpson was repeatedly knocked down, each time bravely rising to his feet, fueled by adrenaline and the sheer will to continue. In the chaos of the onslaught, Simpson lost his mouthguard, a critical piece of protective equipment, leaving him even more vulnerable to the relentless barrage. The referee, witnessing Simpson absorb multiple unanswered blows and having already administered three counts, made the difficult but necessary decision to stop the contest after the fourth knockdown. The First Direct Bank Arena erupted, a mix of shock, disappointment, and an undeniable appreciation for the drama that had just unfolded.
A jubilant Troy Williamson, his face etched with emotion, celebrated a victory that transcended mere titles. It was a triumph of perseverance, a reclamation of his career, and the fulfillment of a deeply personal prophecy. "Nobody believes in me more than myself. This is my weight division and I showed it tonight," Williamson declared, his voice thick with emotion. He recounted the story of his manifestation paper, the very document he had signed months ago, which he had carried with him daily and even tucked into his sock for the fight. "Tonight, you have got yourself a new champion," he proclaimed, beaming.
This victory held immense personal significance for Williamson, who now stands as a two-weight British champion, having previously held the light-middleweight belt. It marked a profound turnaround from his recent struggles, signaling not just a physical resurgence but a mental and emotional one too. He dedicated the win to his family, particularly his young son. "This one is for my baby boy at home," he said. "He comes up to me every single day and says ‘and the new…’ I don’t even have to tell him. I promised him I was bringing the belts back to him in the hotel tonight and I am absolutely over the moon." Williamson emphasized the life-changing impact of the win: "This fight has changed my life. I have always wanted my children to have a better upbringing than I had. I deserve that tonight with a performance of a lifetime. I have changed mine and my kids’ lives for the better."
For Callum Simpson, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, marking the first blemish on his professional record after 19 flawless outings. Yet, in the immediate aftermath, he displayed remarkable sportsmanship and maturity. Even as the crowd’s chants of "Yorkshire, Yorkshire, Yorkshire" continued, Simpson quickly took the microphone to acknowledge the outcome and thank his supporters. "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," he admitted, gracious in defeat. His focus quickly turned to his loyal fanbase: "I want to say thank you to everyone who turned out tonight and is still here now. I have just been put down and everyone is still here, cheering my name. I will not forget that." The Barnsley fighter then expressed a clear intent for the future: "We’ve got a rematch. I will get back to work, come back and correct this. Thank you for sticking with me. I will be back."
The prospect of a rematch is undoubtedly enticing, with promoter Ben Shalom suggesting it could happen as early as 2026. Williamson, currently basking in the glow of his multi-belt triumph, declared he welcomed "all comers" in the new year, but the narrative of a Simpson redemption fight would surely captivate audiences once more. The first encounter was a testament to Williamson’s grit and Simpson’s heart, laying the groundwork for what could be an even more explosive sequel.
Beyond the main event, the night in Leeds served as a launchpad for Boxxer promoter Ben Shalom’s ambitious plans for 2026. Shalom used the platform to announce a significant headline event for Adam Azim, who is set to feature on BBC Two on January 31st in London against Argentina’s Gustavo Lemos. This move highlights Boxxer’s commitment to showcasing rising talent on major national platforms.
Shalom then unveiled his vision for three blockbuster match-ups he aims to deliver before the close of 2026, signaling a bold intent to shape the future of British and world boxing. The first, a highly anticipated domestic grudge match, pits light-welterweight sensation Adam Azim against Sheffield’s Dalton Smith. Smith, who himself challenges for his maiden world title at the end of January, has long been linked with a clash against Azim. This rivalry promises fireworks, pitting two of Britain’s most exciting prospects against each other in a fight that could define a generation of British boxing at 140 pounds.
On a grander, international scale, Shalom expressed his desire to see Chris Eubank Jr step into the ring with Mexican boxing legend Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez. This would be a monumental crossover bout, pitting a British star with a storied family name against arguably the biggest draw in modern boxing. While a significant challenge to make, the ambition behind such a pairing underscores Boxxer’s aspiration to bring the biggest fights to UK audiences.
Finally, in a move that would electrify women’s boxing, Shalom targeted a colossal showdown between Welsh star Lauren Price and the undisputed, three-weight world champion Claressa Shields. Both fighters boast undefeated records, with Price having unified titles at welterweight, while American Shields, a dominant force across multiple divisions, is currently campaigning at heavyweight but has won world titles in five different categories. A clash between these two titans would be a historic event, pitting two of the sport’s most decorated female athletes against each other in a truly elite contest.
The night in Leeds was more than just a boxing show; it was a narrative of redemption, a changing of the guard, and a clear statement of intent from a promoter with grand visions. Troy Williamson’s stunning upset will be etched into British boxing folklore, a testament to the enduring power of belief and perseverance. As the dust settles, the boxing world eagerly awaits the next chapters in these compelling stories, both for the newly crowned champion and the ambitious landscape set out by Boxxer.
