[BFC SITE] Callum Simpson to fight Ivan Zucco at Oakwell this summer

A massive European night is coming to Barnsley as Callum Simpson faces Ivan Zucco for the European Super Middleweight Title on Saturday, June 7 at Oakwell Stadium, presented by BOXXER, live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland.


It will be Simpson’s toughest test to date, and the Barnsley boxer is calling on the passionate club fanbase to turn Oakwell into a fortress and support his battle to overcome an undefeated opponent.

Zucco, from Piemonte, Italy, has risen through the rankings with a series of impressive performances. The 29-year-old, unbeaten in his 21 professional contests, is a former WBC International Champion, who has stopped 18 of his opponents inside the distance.

Season ticket holders at Simpson’s beloved Barnsley FC will get 10% off ticket prices in an exclusive 24-hour priority access window for the June 7 event. A ticket pre-sale sign-up is also open now at BOXXER.com.

Barnsley FC and BOXXER executives have been working with local authorities to make sure the stadium is set up with the maximum number of seats for a non-football event.

Simpson’s debut at Oakwell last summer sold out inside 48 hours before going on general sale, with 7,000 fans cheering his impressive British and Commonwealth Title win over Zak Chelli.

On June 7, thousands more fans will get the chance to experience an unforgettable European night of boxing supporting ‘one of our own’, and are being urged to make the most of the clubs’ exclusive pre-sale access which includes a 24-hour 10% discount for season ticket holders.

Callum Simpson said: “This is the biggest fight of my career, and I’m expecting my toughest test to date. Last summer, I won the British and

Commonwealth titles in front of my home crowd, and now we’re coming back, bigger and better, fighting for the European title against an undefeated fighter in Ivan Zucco.

“This isn’t just another fight, it’s a massive European night, and I’m coming to put on a statement performance. I need Oakwell to be a fortress on June 7 and make sure that European title stays right here in Barnsley.

“The support from Barnsley means everything to me. This town has backed me from day one, and to be fighting at Oakwell again, in front of my people, is something special. Last time we sold it out in two days, this time we’re going even bigger. It’s going to be a night to remember and I couldn’t be prouder to represent Barnsley on the big stage.”

Ivan Zucco said: “I am really honoured to fight for such a prestigious title in such a big event. Facing a high-quality opponent like Callum Simpson is an opportunity that excites me a lot. It will be a tough battle, but I am ready to give my all for victory.

“Winning the European title would be a dream come true. This title means a lot to me, not only on a personal level, but also to my family and everyone who has always believed in me. It will be an honour to bring the title back to Italy and the culmination of a journey that I have undertaken with passion and sacrifice.”

Ben Shalom, Founder & CEO, BOXXER, said: “We are excited to bring a massive night of European boxing to Oakwell Stadium headlined by local hero Callum Simpson. The atmosphere last summer was something special but this is going to be even bigger with Callum Simpson in his toughest test yet facing the undefeated Italian, Ivan Zucco, for the European Super

Middleweight crown. I know the fans from Barnsley and Yorkshire get behind their own and Callum will be counting on this incredible home support to give him the edge in this epic battle between two unbeaten fighters.”

Jon Flatman, CEO, Barnsley FC, said: “We are honoured to welcome one of our own, Callum Simpson, back to Oakwell, this time fighting for the European Super Middleweight title. Callum has proved his love and his loyalty to Barnsley time and time again, we know he pushed harder than anyone to bring this fight back to Oakwell, in the heart of his community.

“I’d like to thank Sir Steve Houghton and his team at Barnsley Council for helping us to make this possible as well as everyone at BOXXER for putting their faith in us to deliver once again. The last night here at Oakwell was special, this one promises to be even bigger and better. Let’s make this another night to remember.”

Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco for the European Super Middleweight Title headlines a huge summer stadium show at Oakwell on Saturday, June 7. More exciting bouts will be announced in the coming weeks.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS:

12pm, Wednesday April 2: Barnsley FC Season Ticket Holder priority pre-sale with 10% discount for 24 hours (no limit on number of tickets purchased per ST holder)
12pm, Thursday April 3: BOXXER.com sign-up exclusive pre-sale
12pm, Friday April 4: general sale

Sign-up for NOW for exclusive access to presale tickets at BOXXER.com

All Hospitality sales are via Barnsley Football club, enquiries via: commercial@barnsleyfc.co.uk

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, HELL Energy, That Prize Guy, Riyadh Season, Car Finance 247 and Champion.

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A good fight on paper, Zucco has a very good wins against Germaine Brown and Marko Nikolic which ain't to be sniffed at. A step in the right direction for Callum opponent wise from British level.

 

More stands open for this one? Atmosphere looked unreal at the last one

 

I’m on holiday so won’t be able to get there.

Good opponent though and with an increased capacity it will hopefully be a great spectacle.

 

Callum's mentioned 17,000 a few times which would suggest 2 more stands open.

 

Centre circle ring .... how on earth do you see what's happening?

 

Same as you’d see a shirt pull at the opposite side of the pitch when watching a game.

They have fights at Wembley, it’ll be fine.

 

Looking forward to this.

 

Step up in title prestige and opponent. More seats available and it will sell out again.

 

If Callum's a good striker do you think he'd sign for the Reds?

 

Great news, although I think folk are being a little ambitious about a sellout. However, could depend on the quality of the undercard.The atmosphere at the Last fight at Oakwell was phenomenal but it was all concentrated in just the one stand. Hope I’m wrong and we see a sell-out crowd roar Callum onto victory.

 

Wonder if Danny will be in the stands with Sandy

 

Be nice to have a decent atmosphere at Oakwell it’s been a while

 

Be a good fight this, very dangerous opponent for callum.

 

My lads gonna be gutted we can't go as I've tickets to see Morrissey the same day. Heaven knows I'm miserable now!

 

It will sell out. He’s already one of the most famous boxers in the country and boxing sells. That’s ignoring the thousands of Barnsley fans who back him regardless.

BOXXER are very good at marketing their events and with Sky publicity, it’ll be a piece of p*ss.

 

He gets great support just heard his interview on boxing social where he says Tony bellew sold 13k at goodison and richard riakpore and chris billiam smith there was around 12k at sellhurt park for that so to sell 17k would be great numbers.

 

If ever there was a town that would get behind a quality boxer it’s Barnsley. It’s gunna be an incredible event and brilliant for the town.

 

To be honest, I'd take the hit on Morrisey or put them up for re-sale if you can. Nights like this at Oakwell won't come along too often.