Callum Simpson Avenges Only Defeat, Reclaims British and Commonwealth Titles in Leeds Rematch
Callum Simpson reclaimed the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles by unanimous decision in his rematch with Troy Williamson on 8 August 2026 at the First Direct Bank Arena in Leeds. Judges scored the fight 116-112, 117-112 and 115-113 — all in Simpson's favour. The victory avenged the only loss of his professional career. BBC Sport
The first meeting between the two, on 20 December 2025, ended in dramatic fashion. Williamson stopped Simpson in the 10th round, flooring him four times to seize the European, British and Commonwealth belts. That event, promoted by Boxxer and broadcast free-to-air on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, was titled "The Future Now." Simpson later revealed he had perforated both eardrums in the opening round of that bout — a detail that lent his decision to trigger an immediate rematch a sharper edge. BBC Sport
Simpson, 29, fought the return under new trainer Rob McCracken, the respected coach best known for his long work with Carl Froch and Anthony Joshua. The change showed. Simpson boxed with discipline, built a lead on the cards, and survived the moments where Williamson made it uncomfortable. Williamson, 34, stung Simpson in the eighth round and rallied hard in the 12th, knowing he needed a knockout to retain his titles. He could not find it. BBC Sport
The records now read: Simpson 19-1, Williamson 22-5-1. Both men entered the ring with something to prove. Williamson had said at the pre-fight press conference on 6 August that a second win over Simpson would earn him a world-title shot before the end of 2026. Simpson needed to show that the first defeat was an aberration, not a ceiling. He did enough on the judges' cards to make that case. DAZN
Simpson's promoter, Ben Shalom, called the rematch "unbelievable" and said he hopes to secure Simpson a world-title shot within the next 12 months. Whether that timeline holds depends on the promotional and sanctioning-body machinery that governs the sport — mandatory challengers, broadcast deals and the willingness of reigning world champions to take the risk. For now, Simpson has his belts back and the only blemish on his record has been addressed. BBC Sport
For casual fans, super-middleweight is the 168-pound weight class — one of boxing's most competitive divisions, currently home to the sport's biggest names. The British and Commonwealth titles are prestigious domestic prizes that have launched many a career toward world level. Simpson's next step could take him onto that bigger stage.
The Leeds card was described by Boxxer as the first event of a new series, suggesting more fight nights at the First Direct Bank Arena to come. For Williamson, the road back gets harder at 34. For Simpson, it opens up. Boxxer
