Callum Simpson targets Hamzah Sheeraz for 2027 WBO stadium fight

Callum Simpson wants a summer 2027 fight with Hamzah Sheeraz at Barnsley’s Oakwell Stadium, provided Sheeraz is still holding the WBO super-middleweight title. The proposed all-British meeting would give Simpson the world-title opportunity he is seeking after reclaiming his domestic belts.

Simpson, 29, secured a unanimous points victory over Troy Williamson last Saturday. The result avenged his previous meeting with Williamson, when Simpson was stopped in the 10th round. He has since regained the British and Commonwealth titles and is now looking towards a world championship challenge.

Sheeraz, 27, became WBO champion in May by stopping Alem Begic in the second round for the vacant belt. He then made his first defence with a points win over Simon Zachenhuber last month, keeping the title ahead of an ordered mandatory contest against Janibek Alimkhanuly.

That mandatory fight leaves Sheeraz’s position uncertain. Alimkhanuly, a former unified champion, is moving up to 168 pounds after testing positive for Meldonium in December. The bout has been ordered but is yet to take place, meaning Simpson’s stadium proposal depends on Sheeraz remaining champion through the process.

Simpson has made clear that Sheeraz is the opponent he most wants for a return to Oakwell. A summer date would be required for the event at the Barnsley stadium, where the contest would combine Simpson’s domestic standing with Sheeraz’s world title.

If Sheeraz defeats Alimkhanuly, his other possible route would be a unification fight. The winner of Christian Mbilli’s contest with Canelo Alvarez has been identified as one potential opponent, leaving Simpson’s proposed bout competing with a wider set of title options.