In a thrilling showdown at Barnsley FC's Oakwell Stadium, super-middleweight Callum Simpson made history by overcoming two knockdowns to stop Ivan Zucco in the 10th round, claiming the European title. This victory not only extended Simpson's unbeaten record to 18-0 but also marked him as Barnsley's first-ever European champion.

A Fight to Remember

Simpson's journey to victory was anything but easy. Just eight seconds into the opening round, Zucco sent Simpson to the canvas with a powerful left hand. Despite the early setback, Simpson rallied back, delivering some impressive punches of his own. However, the third round saw Simpson knocked down again by another left hand from Zucco.

The Turning Point

With the crowd of 23,000 roaring in support, Simpson dug deep. By the eighth round, he found renewed strength, driven by the memory of his late sister, Lily-Rae Simpson, who tragically passed away in a car accident last year. 'I just thought I had to push for her and for everybody,' Simpson shared emotionally after the fight.

The Final Blow

In the 10th round, Simpson seized his moment. Stalking Zucco, he unleashed a devastating left uppercut that sent his opponent to his knees. Although Zucco bravely rose on the count of eight, a third knockdown forced his corner to throw in the towel, securing Simpson's victory.

What’s Next?

This win positions Simpson as a strong contender for a world title shot by the end of the year. His resilience and determination have not only made him a local hero but also a rising star in the boxing world.

Fight Statistics

• Callum Simpson: 18 wins, 0 losses, 13 knockouts
• Ivan Zucco: 21 wins, 1 loss

Watch the Highlights

Relive the dramatic moments of Simpson's victory and his emotional dedication to his sister.

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