Callum Simpson was thrilled to make history at Oakwell on Saturday evening and now wants more.

The Barnsley boxer was knocked down twice in the first three rounds of his European title super-middleweight fight by Ivan Zucco of Italy.

But Simpson recovered to win in the tenth round, flooding his opponent three times to force a stoppage.

He said: “They were flash knockdowns but I got up and looked at my team to let them know I was alright. I didn’t panic and tried to be mature. I don’t have a big ego. I knew I wasn’t badly hurt, I just had to get back to work. I wasn’t losing that fight. I had worked too hard and had that Yorkshire grit.

“My dad got in the ring (after the fight) and said ‘you needed that.’ Cheers dad. I don’t know if I needed to get dropped off.

“But I am stepping up in levels. Last year against (Zack) Chelli I showed I could handle the pressure in a 12-round championship fight. This time I got dropped but showed I can keep my head. I am nowhere near the finished article but I want to fight for a world title next year.”

Simpson is the first Barnsley born and bred boxer to win a European title.

“It means everything. I am so so proud to bring big fights, Sky Sports, BOXXER and European nights to Barnsley. We’ve done it for the British now the European and I want to come back for the world title.”

Promoter Ben Shalom said the plan was for Simpson to headline a show in Sheffield in September or October then return to Oakwell next summer for a world title fight. He added: “There is something here which could go to another level. They don’t get these sort of nights all the time in Barnsley. He’s put Barnsley on the map. I have to thank Barnsley Council and the club.”