Callum Simpson will bring a wave of Yorkshire pride to the First Direct Arena in Leeds on 20 December when he puts his European, British, and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles on the line against Troy Williamson. The headline bout, part of BOXXER’s latest showcase with the BBC, promises to be one of the most intriguing domestic clashes of the winter, blending regional rivalry, contrasting styles, and the energy of two fighters fighting for very different reasons. Broadcasting live on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, the event arrives with a clear mission: to take top-tier British boxing to a new generation of fans.
Simpson enters the ring unbeaten, carrying an 18-0 record with 13 knockouts. His rise has been sharp but steady, and his explosive win over Ivan Zucco earlier this year showed why many see him as a future international contender. The Barnsley fighter returns to his home country with confidence and a loyal following behind him. For the first time, he will defend all three of his titles under the national spotlight and the support of his local crowd that could make Leeds one of the rowdiest venues of the boxing calendar.
Troy Williamson will be standing across the ring, the English super-middleweight champion who has rebuilt himself after setbacks as a light-middleweight. The Darlington fighter is not a stranger to big occasions, nor is he intimidated by the challenge of stepping into enemy territory. His ninth-round stoppage of Mark Dickinson in September secured the English belt and injected new energy into his career. Now with titles on the line and a season-defining opportunity in front of him, Williamson is determined to crash the Christmas celebration. As he bluntly put it, he plans to “ruin” Simpson’s festive season and take the belts home. It is clear that Troy Williamson is entering this fight with nothing to lose and everything to prove.
The event, titled The Future Now, is a central part of the BBC’s ambition to bring live boxing to broader audiences. BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski emphasized the value of showcasing homegrown fighters at their peak, especially on platforms with strong youth reach such as BBC Three. His comments convey the broadcaster’s belief that free-to-air coverage can build new excitement around boxing and give rising British athletes national visibility. Meanwhile, BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom described the matchup as a “true 50-50 fight,” the kind of contest that fuels fan discussions and electrifies arenas.
The appeal of this bout extends beyond the fighters’ records. It represents a meeting between two stages of a boxing journey. Simpson, at 29, is the fresher face with a perfect slate and growing acclaim. Williamson, now 34, has been through tight contests, title highs, and career turbulence, yet remains physically dangerous and mentally sharp. Their paths converge at a moment when British super-middleweight boxing is gaining depth and renewed enthusiasm. Their clash could influence future matchmaking, rankings, and the wider picture of the division in the UK.
Simpson’s camp expects an aggressive Williamson, but the champion has built his reputation on composure and power, qualities that helped him build a loyal following in Barnsley as well as internationally. His belief in “putting Yorkshire boxing back on the map” has become a rallying point for fans. Williamson, for his part, is driven by experience. He has tasted championship pressure and believes that his ring IQ will separate him from Simpson once the rounds deepen.
Tickets are set for staggered pre-sale windows, with special early access for Barnsley FC fans and Three Mobile customers. Additional pre-sale opportunities will be available for BOXXER.com sign-ups and existing First Direct Arena customers before the general sale opens. With both fighters bringing strong regional support, demand is expected to be high, especially for fans eager to witness a major night of British boxing free-to-air. Whether Simpson extends his unbeaten run or Williamson stages a dramatic resurgence, the fight has all the makings of a memorable finale to the British boxing year.
