Exclusive: Wally Downs Jr., boxing reporter
Callum Simpson previously filled in for Kell Brook but now wants to take his place.
The 27-year-old super-middleweight from Barnsley took a part-time job in a menswear shop while studying at college, where the former welterweight world champion from Sheffield would come in to pick up free stuff.
Simpson had to climb up and down stairs to serve his famous fellow Yorkshireman.
But now the tables have turned and Brooke will drive the 12 miles up the M1 to support Simpson in his bid to beat the dangerous British and Commonwealth champion Jack Cheley.
Simpson told SunSport: “Between the ages of 16-18, when I was at college, I worked part-time in a clothes shop that used to sponsor Kell Brook.
“When Kel came over I had to wait until he had picked out all the shoes he wanted, then run upstairs to find all the shoes in his size, then untie all the laces so he could wear them like Cinderella.
Simpson had to climb up and down stairs to serve his famous fellow Yorkshireman.
But now the tables have turned and Brooke will drive the 12 miles up the M1 to support Simpson in his bid to beat the dangerous British and Commonwealth champion Jack Cheley.
Ahead of Saturday’s shootout at Simpson’s beloved Barnley Oakwell Stadium, he told SunSport: “Between the ages of 16-18, when I was at college, I worked part-time in a clothes shop that sponsored Kell Brook.
“When they had fights at Sheffield Arena we used to get free tickets and my friends always said to me ‘one day you’ll be like that too’.
From Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury to American pound-for-pound clashes, Eddie Hearn’s five must-see boxing fights“And now I’ve signed with Boxer and Sky Sports and Kell has messaged me saying he’ll come and watch the match.
“So from untying his shoes to seeing him ringside, it’s going to be a cool and surreal moment. But it’s all come from hard work.”
Simpson kept up her training and wrestling by working in the fashion field until she stepped away from the small-hall circuit last year.
They have achieved their 14-0 form at the perfect time, as the new Saudi money flowing into the sport is giving these brave players the fortune they deserve.
But boxing fans must remember how much blood, sweat, tears and honest hard work it took to get to the top.
“This doesn’t happen overnight,” said the practical guy.
“When I had my first regional title fight in 2022, my first 10-rounder, I was training twice a day and working 45 hours a week, Saturdays and Sundays.
“For that fight, I weighed in on Friday afternoon and ran to work to make the time, then boxed on Saturday and worked all day on Sunday.
“My second fight was a four rounder on the Josh Warrington undercard at Leeds Arena in 2019 and I worked the next day.
“This doesn’t happen overnight,” said the practical guy.
“When I had my first regional title fight in 2022, my first 10-rounder, I was training twice a day and working 45 hours on Saturdays and Sundays.
“For that fight I made the weights on Friday afternoon and ran to work to make the time, then boxed on Saturday and worked all day on Sunday.”
‘Hock Tuah’ girl Hailey Welch changes career after shocking breakup with Jake Paul“My second fight was a four rounder on the Josh Warrington undercard at Leeds Arena in 2019 and I worked the next day.
