Zak Chelli to Defend Belts Against Callum Simpson Aug. 3 in Barnsley

Zak Chelli will defend his British and Commonwealth super middleweight titles against unbeaten mandatory challenger Callum Simpson on Aug. 3 at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, England.

Chelli (15-2-1, 7 KOs), 26, of London, will be making his first defense of the titles he claimed with a unanimous points win over Jack Cullen at the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, England, in January.

Having earned the crown as the best in Britain, Chelli will be looking to solidify his position at the top of a highly competitive domestic division when he takes on Simpson (14-0, 10 KOs), of Barnsley, in the challenger’s hometown.

“Winning the British and Commonwealth titles was the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice,” Chelli said. “This is just the beginning for me. Simpson is too scared to challenge me for my titles in London, so I’ll show him what a real fighter is and fight him on his home turf. On Aug. 3, my hand will be raised and the belts will remain round my waist.”

Simpson, 27, has earned his shot at Chelli’s belts with a series of impressive performances, most recently a fourth-round knockout win over Tanzania’s Dulla Mbabe at London’s O2 Arena in May, to remain on course for his mandatory challenge. 

Simpson is predicting another knockout performance when he challenges for British and Commonwealth glory in front of his fans at Oakwell Stadium, the home of his beloved Barnsley FC.

“It’s a dream come true to fight in front of my home fans in Barnsley,” Simpson said. “I’m going to win the British and Commonwealth titles in style. Expect a knockout. This is the fight I’ve been asking for. It’s a chance to prove myself and make my hometown proud. I need everyone in Barnsley and beyond to get behind me and really make Oakwell a fortress.”

Presented by Boxxer, Chelli-Simpson will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the U.K. and Ireland and Peacock in the U.S.

“From winning the Ultimate Boxxer tournament to claiming impressive wins over Germaine Brown, Anthony Sims Jr. and Jack Cullen, Zak Chelli has proven himself as a top operator and will be coming to Barnsley full of confidence,” Boxxer founder and CEO Ben Shalom said. “Callum Simpson is the latest star to emerge from Yorkshire, which has a rich history of producing boxing champions. He will have the backing of the Barnsley faithful as he fights at his home stadium.”