MARK Jeffers remains less than convinced that a mouth-watering super-middleweight clash with Callum Simpson will materialise in 2025.
The pair have been on a collision course for the best part of a year, with both unbeaten Brits appearing on the same card in just under two weeks’ time.
Topping the bill is fan-friendly operator Simpson, 17-0 (12 KOs), who will return to Oakwell Stadium – home of Barnsley Football Club – to challenge Ivan Zucco for the vacant European title.
The 28-year-old claimed his British and Commonwealth straps at the Yorkshire venue last August, producing a career-best performance to dethrone Zak Chelli.
But since his comprehensive unanimous decision victory, Simpson has dropped down a level or two to keep busy against more limited opposition.
Jeffers, 20-0 (7 KOs), meanwhile, has been forced to do the same, as a lack of meaningful fights since outpointing Chelli – a victory that arrived back in 2023 – has largely stalled his momentum.
Much like Simpson, ‘The Dog’ exceeded the majority of fans’ expectations with his polished display, forcing Chelli to suffer an equally convincing defeat.
But now, Jeffers is gearing up to join Simpson in Yorkshire, England, when he locks horns with little-known American campaigner Sean Hemphill on June 7.
And with both combatants featuring on the same show, the overriding narrative, of course, is that all roads should lead towards their domestic dustup later this year.
Jeffers, however, firmly believes that their all-British matchup will only get kicked further down the road.
“I’m not sure it’ll get made next,” he told Boxing News. “Will he [Simpson] take an easier option? Possibly. So yeah, I’m not too positive that it’ll happen by the end of this year.
“Of course, it’s the fight that I want. But it’s not down to me unfortunately. He’s making Boxxer and Sky [Sports] a lot of money at the minute and, when I beat him, that soon stops.
“I don’t think it’ll be a wise fight [for him to take], with him selling out stadiums. I know exactly how to beat him, and I think that, if it ever got made, people would be surprised at just how easily I can win that fight.”
As a number-six ranked contender with the IBF, Jeffers’ career is by no means dependent on a clash with Simpson.
But equally, the 27-year-old remains determined to prove himself in a War of the Roses battle, claiming that his superior skill set would most likely shine through.
“My feet and boxing IQ [would be the difference],” he insisted. “The lads Callum’s been fighting recently have just stood in front of him.
“[Simpson is] massive for the weight and has got a good engine, so you’ve got to be a bit smarter than that. I’ve got the perfect style to beat him, and look good doing it.”
