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Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco – UK Fight Time, Undercard, PPV Price and Preview

Updated 5 June 2025, 16:15 BST


Unbeaten Callum Simpson meets the unbeaten Italian, Ivan Zucco. Both risking their 0 losses for the vacant European super-middleweight title this Saturday at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley. UK coverage of Simpson vs Zucco starts at 19:00 BST on Sky Sports Action, with ring walks for the main event expected about 22:00 BST.

Barnsley’s rising star Callum Simpson (17-0, 12 KOs) headlines in front of his home fans in Barnsley when he faces Italy’s hard-punching Ivan Zucco (21-0, 18 KOs) on the 7th of June. The super-middleweight showdown is a BOXXER promotion at Oakwell Stadium, marking the ground’s largest professional boxing night. A loud Barnsley crowd of more than 15 000 is anticipated, matching the atmosphere that spurred Simpson to victory over Zak Chelli at the same venue last August.

Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco combines hometown fervour, two unbeaten ledgers and a coveted belt. Expect Simpson to dictate with volume and angles, while Zucco hunts momentum-changing counters. Whether it ends early or stretches deep, the European title will find a flawless owner.

Callum Simpson and Ivan Zucco go head-to-head on the Oakwell Stadium pitch ahead of their European title showdown.

Simpson V Zucco – Key Details

  • Date: Saturday 7 June 2025

  • Venue: Oakwell Stadium, Barnsley, South Yorkshire

  • Title on the Line: Vacant EBU European Super-Middleweight Championship

  • Scheduled Rounds: 12 rounds at the 168 lb limit

  • Promoter: BOXXER (Ben Shalom)

  • UK Broadcaster: Sky Sports Action – coverage begins at 19:00 BST

 

Callum Simpson Fight Time and Where to Watch – PPV Price

  • United Kingdom

    • Coverage Start: 19:00 BST on Sky Sports Action

    • Main-Event Ring Walks: Approximately 22:00 BST

    • Price: Included in Sky Sports subscription – no additional PPV fee

  • Italy

    • Coverage Start: 20:00 CEST on Sky Sport Uno

    • Main-Event Ring Walks: Approximately 23:00 CEST

Price: Included with standard subscription – no extra PPV charge

Promotional poster for Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco European super-middleweight title fight on 7 June at Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley.

Simpson V Zucco weigh in – what to expect

The official weigh-in will take place on Friday 6 June at Oakwell’s hospitality suite, open to the public from 11:30 BST. Both fighters are tipped to scale close to the 168-lb limit, with Simpson aiming for 167.5 lb to optimise speed while Zucco has promised “power without sacrificing the weight cut”. The face-off will be the final time the unbeaten rivals meet before fight night.

The Undercard – Full Running Order

  • Adam Azim vs Eliot Chavez
     Division: Super-lightweight | Rounds: 10
  • Mark Jeffers vs Sean Hemphill
     Division: Super-middleweight | Rounds: 10
  • Rhys Edwards vs Thomas Essomba
     Division: Featherweight | Rounds: 8
  • Hassan Azim vs Senan Kelly
    Division: Welterweight | Rounds: 8

Who will win, Simpson or Zucco? – Form guide and tactical keys to victory

Simpson

The 28-year-old orthodox puncher stands 6 ft 3 in with a 75-inch reach. Simpson rides a five-fight stoppage streak, most recently dismantling Ahorgah in five rounds at Wembley Arena on 1 February. His jab-to-uppercut combination and educated footwork allow him to close distance at angles opponents rarely anticipate. Simpson can win if he uses his height and reach advantage not getting sucked into fighting in the clinch. 

Zucco

Zucco, 29, is a southpaw known for compact hooks and a punishing body attack. He has ended 18 of 21 wins inside the distance, including a two-round blowout of Kasim Gashi last December. The Italian is shorter at 6 ft and even has a shorter reach but carries a low centre of gravity that makes him dangerous in the pocket, which he likes fighting out of. Zucco’s best chance is slowing the hometown favourite with early body work then timing counter-hooks as Simpson exits combinations.

Tale of the Tape – Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco

Record:

  • Simpson: 17-0 (12 KOs)
  • Zucco: 21-0 (18 KOs)
  • Edge: Zucco – higher knockout ratio

Height:

  • Simpson: 191 cm
  • Zucco: 183 cm
  • Edge: Simpson – clear size advantage

Reach

  • Simpson: 190 cm
  • Zucco: Estimated 185 cm
  • Edge: Simpson – longer reach gives jab control

Stance

  • Simpson: Orthodox
  • Zucco: Southpaw
  • Edge: Contrast – presents a tactical puzzle for both fighters

Championship Bouts

  • Simpson: 3 title fights
  • Zucco: 0
  • Edge: Simpson – more big-fight experience

 

Betting odds and market shift

UK books opened Simpson a 1/5 favourite but money on the upset has nudged Zucco from 4/1 to 7/2, with the draw shortening slightly to 20/1. Over-under is set at 8.5 rounds even money.

Callum Simpson rematch angles

If Simpson wins, promoter Ben Shalom has floated a domestic blockbuster rematch with Zak Chelli – the man Simpson dethroned for British and Commonwealth honours – for late 2025. Defeat could trigger an immediate rematch clause that Zucco’s team negotiated, potentially sending Simpson to Italy before Christmas.

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