WHEN Callum Simpson floored Ivan Zucco for the first time in the tenth round at Oakwell, he remained composed as he had throughout a tumultuous fight which saw the Barnsley man hit the canvas himself twice early on.
As the home crowd went wild, Simpson sought the advice of trainer Mark Hurley and manager Kevin Maree as he looked to close out victory for the European super-middleweight title.
He told the Chronicle: “I knew I would wear him down and be more conditioned as the fight went on.
“In the first half of the fight, I was trying to fight him to wear him down.
“But I realised halfway through I needed to box him properly to tire him out.
“You could see him tiring, especially in the second half of every round.
“When I dropped him, I looked at my team because they tell me to stick it on them or relax because they can see better than me how hurt he is.
“They were just like: ‘get back on him’.
“I dropped him again and there was no way he was getting through the round.
“The feeling when the fight ended was an unbelievable feeling that I will never forget.”
Zucco went down three times in about a minute and the fight was called off, capping a remarkable night for Simpson.
He had walked out to about 15,000 of fans supporting him in his hometown stadium, even more than in August last year.
Simpson said: “It was the same but different.
“Last time, the ringwalk was a bit easier because I only had the East Stand to deal with.
“I could thank everyone for coming and touch gloves.
“This time I was looking round at everyone.
“The atmosphere was absolutely unreal.
“Sheffield Arena holds 10,500 for boxing, Leeds Arena is 10,000.
“I grew up watching Kell brook in Sheffield and Josh Warrington in Leeds.
“To sell more than that in Barnsley for a European title fight is crazy.”
Simpson was put down by Zucco after a few seconds then again in the third round – the first knockdowns of his career as an amateur or professional.
“I have never experienced that before, but it’s boxing.
“When you are stepping up in levels and facing someone with 18 knockout out of 21 wins, we knew he would carry power.
“I was a bit cold for a few rounds and they were flash knockdowns.
“My head and legs were alright, and I stayed composed to overcome adversity.
“As a fighter, it showed what level I am at.”
Simpson became the first Barnsley born and bred man to win a European title.
He said: “I am so proud of that.
“To bring big televised fights and big titles like the European back to my hometown of Barnsley is a dream come true.
“We’re on an amazing journey together and hopefully there are some even bigger nights to come.”
