Troy Williamson vs Callum Simpson 2 fight predictions

Troy Williamson vs Callum Simpson 2 - Who wins the grudge rematch?

Troy Williamson vs Callum Simpson 2 takes place this weekend, August 8 in Leeds, live on DAZN.

The 'Trojan' Troy Williamson (22-4-1, 16 KOs) stopped the undefeated Barnsley boxer Callum Simpson (18-1, 13 KOs) in December last year at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, the same setting for the rematch.

Troy ripped away the defending champion's British, Commonwealth and European super-middleweight titles with a devastating 10th round knockout win.

The 34-year-old from Darlington had the opportunity to go forth and fight for Osleys Iglesias' IBF and IBO world titles, but BOXXER and Simpson’s decision to enforce the rematch clause delayed that opportunity, causing Williamson to vent his frustrations.

“Not many boxers get the opportunity to fight for a world title. I was next in line, let me go and fight for a world title and I’ll give you a defence for the title. I don’t see the harm; they’re obviously blocking me from getting that shot.

“It’s ridiculous, it’s frustrating! I could understand it if it was close, but he’s [Simpson] making a bad decision activating the rematch, because how can you come back off two back-to-back knockouts?”

With irritations and anger running high, one man frustrated and bitter at being held back and the other desperate for revenge and redemption, the return fight this weekend in Leeds is reaching boiling point.

So GBN asked their panel of experts who they are picking to win Williamson-Simpson grudge rematch on Saturday.

Wayne Alexander

Former British, European, World welterweight champion

"You have to give Callum Simpson credit for taking the rematch after getting stopped convincingly in the first fight.

"I'm not sure how it has affected Callum mentally having his first ever defeat as a professional, but he did look vulnerable in the latter stages of the fight and I think this will be the issue again in the rematch.

"Troy will have grown in confidence from that contest and knows that Callum can’t really hurt him, so I'm going for a similar fight to the first one with Callum doing very well to last the distance after doing ok for the first six rounds.

"Rematches normally end the same way as the first fight."

Keith Sullivan

Boxing Manager to Paddy Donovan, Kristian Prenga

"It should be an exciting main event fight in Leeds, a great fight town. I am giving the edge to Williamson, but only slightly. 

"He showed his ring experience helped him stay in the fight during the late rounds, and more importantly that he can hurt Simpson, which will significantly boost his confidence in this rematch.

"I am sure we will see tactical adjustments from Simpson, namely trying to get his opponent out early and avoid hanging around in the later rounds when Simpson is more vulnerable. 

"If I were managing Williamson, I would advise him not to chase an early knockout. Let the fight unfold, allowing Simpson to exert himself trying to outwork Williamson again. Focus on the body early to help accelerate Simpson's decline, and by round six turn up the heat on him and make him feel the power shots that he delivered in round 10 of their first fight."

Max Jay Shears

Pro Boxing Fans writer

"This is a genuine pick ’em fight that could swing either way. If Simpson has gelled well with his new setup, he should have enough to secure a wide points decision."

What has Troy predicted, himself?

Over in six, Williamson predicts

“It’s been months since the first fight; it’s only going to get harder and harder for him to make the weight, so that’s why it won’t go past six rounds this time.

“I need to make a bigger statement than what I did in the first fight; that is why it won’t go past six!

“I’ll class this as my world title fight, because I know once I get rid of him, I’ll definitely get my world title shot after.”