BARNSLEY’S own European champion Callum Simpson is hoping to inspire more young girls in the town to follow in his footsteps at a series of events later this month.

The 28-year-old boxer won the European super-middleweight title at his hometown stadium, recovering from two early knockdowns to stop Italian Ivan Zucco in the tenth round back in June.

He used to train at the Barnsley Star boxing gym, just outside the town centre, and when he returned a few weeks ago there were no girls training.

And that’s something he’s planning to change at a special event on August 10.

He said: “A few weeks ago, I visited my old amateur boxing gym and noticed there weren’t any girls training.

“Being surrounded by so many incredible female fighters since signing with Boxxer , it made me realise how important it is to create more opportunities for women at grassroots level.

“So I wanted to do something special for our community here in Barnsley.

“Join me, along with the current Central Area Champion Sylwia Doligala, Ellie Simon and Madelaine Roystone from Ellie Elite Coaching or a powerful day of women’s boxing, empowerment, and good vibes.”

The event is free to attend but tickets are limited and can be found on Callum’s social media channels.