Troy Williamson vs Callum Simpson headlines in Leeds this Saturday.
Simpson is seeking revenge after being stopped by Williamson in the 10th round of their first bout.
Coming into the contest in December, the Barnsley-born star was the favourite as he defended his EBU European super-middleweight title for the first time.
He took on ‘The Trojan’ in what was a voluntary defence. The contest started in Simpson’s favour but gradually began to turn.
Williamson put together a devastating barrage of attacks in the 10th round, flooring Simpson four times in total. Simpson continued to show immense bravery by getting back to his feet, but referee Lee Every had seen enough and stopped the contest with 40 seconds remaining in the round.
Since the first fight, the pair have frequently gone back and forth. Williamson feels he has been held back by the contracted rematch clause, while Simpson claims his opponent has been disrespectful following the victory.
Williamson was scheduled to fight Simon Zachenhuber on the undercard of Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov, but the rematch clause forced him to withdraw.
The pair are finally set to run it back eight months after their first fight, with Simpson looking to right the wrongs of that defeat under the tutelage of a new team led by Rob McCracken.
He was unbeaten going into the first fight and entered the contest on the back of three stoppage victories over Ivan Zucco, Elvis Ahorgah and Steed Woodall.
He also has an impressive victory over Zak Chelli on his résumé, who recently stopped David Morrell.
Williamson appears to have brought his career back to life at super middleweight after moving up to 168lbs following four defeats in five fights.
In his two fights at the weight, he has produced two devastating results. He first stopped Mark Dickinson in brutal fashion in September last year before going on to upset Simpson.
Prediction: 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.
Gradus Kraus vs Sean Hemphill
The Netherlands’ Kraus continues to impress 11 fights into his professional career.
He has recorded 10 stoppage victories, many of which came on GBM Sports shows before he switched to Ben Shalom’s BOXXER.
The only opponent he has been unable to stop is Scott Forrest, whom he faced at short notice at cruiserweight.
Kraus was dominant in the fight, dropping Forrest in the first round before securing a 60-53 points victory.
He takes on America’s Hemphill, who fights for the first time since losing to Ty Mitchell on a Misfits Boxing card.
He lost via split decision and was visibly frustrated with the result after the bout. He will be looking to prove a point by upsetting Kraus this Saturday.
Possibly ‘Silky’s’ most notable victory came against Mark Jeffers, whom he defeated on points on the undercard of Callum Simpson vs Ivan Zucco.
Prediction: Hemphill should prove to be Kraus’ toughest test to date, but he will likely be stopped in the latter stages as the Dutchman continues to shine at light heavyweight.
Remaining Undercard
James Dean Fury, a relative of Tyson Fury, makes his long-awaited professional debut on the card following an extensive amateur career and should pick up a stoppage victory.
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Bulgaria’s Diego Krasimov should extend his record to 10-0 against the tough Ashlee Eales, who will likely push him the full eight-round distance.
Hassan Azim will likely stop Jack Martin at super welterweight.
Mauro Silva vs Tyler Christopher could prove to be a genuine 50-50 contest between two unbeaten fighters.
Billy Pickles may edge Max Curtis over six rounds.
Ben Rees may face his toughest test in Marvin Tomlinson, while Ted Jackson should stop Todd Tompkins at middleweight.
The 15-0 Billy Deniz continues to impress and should stop Alex Carter with little difficulty early on the card.
Finally, Bradley Casey returns to the ring and faces a tough test against Ross McGuigan, who recently took Dave Allen the distance.
Casey should edge an awkward contest on points against McGuigan.
