HAMZAH Sheeraz is a name that remains near the top of Callum Simpson’s hit list ahead of his upcoming European title fight.
It was announced earlier today that the proud Yorkshireman will return to Oakwell Stadium – the home of his beloved Barnsley Football Club – on June 7.
In what proved to deliver an electric atmosphere last August, Simpson, 17-0 (12 KOs), claimed his British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles with a comprehensive unanimous decision victory over Zak Chelli.
But now, rather than limiting the crowd to just 7,000 fans, the 28-year-old expects to sell at least 15,000 tickets for his stadium showdown against unbeaten Italian contender Ivan Zucco.
Yet despite remaining focused on seizing the vacant European strap, Simpson equally acknowledges that a possible dustup with Sheeraz, 21-0-1 (17 KOs), represents a mouth-watering opportunity down the line.
After establishing himself as a promising and formidable middleweight contender, Sheeraz entered his first world title shot against WBC champion Carlos Adames last month.
His performance, however, was far removed from what we have previously seen from the talented 25-year-old and, as a result of their draw, Adames ultimately retained his green and gold strap.
Shortly after their fight, Sheeraz revealed that he had injured his hand and, not only that, but his promoter, Frank Warren, has since hinted at a move up in weight.
The Londoner is, after all, a giant at 160lbs and, more than likely, would transition into the super-middleweight division with relative ease.
Knowing that the Riyadh Season ambassador would make for a risky but valuable opponent, Simpson has been one of the first fighters at 168lbs to welcome him with open arms.
“He’s got a big name and it’s a marketable fight,” Simpson told Boxing News. “[Sheeraz has] proved himself beyond British and European level.
“I believe that I’m the man at 168lbs in Britain, and am going to prove that I’m the man in Europe as well.
“If he’s stepping up to 168lbs, and has got anything he wants to prove, then the fight’s there for him.”
Without question, their potential matchup would make for a compelling clash of styles, with Simpson always maintaining a remarkable work rate while Sheeraz, especially when boxing on the outside, possesses an arsenal of deadly weapons.
But even though he was at the venue for his last outing, Simpson is still yet to see his domestic rival’s draw with Adames, admitting that, at the time, his appetite took priority.
“I’ve not watched his fight [against Adames],” Simpson added. “I was there [in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia] but went to get some food – there was an all-you-can eat buffet.
“It was a few weeks after my last fight, so I was still hungry. But I saw [Riyadh Season chief Turki Alalshikh] walk past and he looked fuming, so I don’t think [Sheeraz] did great in that fight.”
