Callum Simpson swept the British and Commonwealth titles with a unanimous decision victory over Zak Chelli at Barnsley’s Oakwell Stadium.
His hometown crowd erupted in pure joy when he was announced as the “new” champion after 12 rounds of intense and determined fighting.
Simpson made an impact on Cherry early in the fight. As the crowd’s cheers grew louder behind him, he delighted the Barnsley supporters, landing a right hand that knocked down and tripped Cherry late in the first round.
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Simpson Step out of Oakwell and soak up the vibrant atmosphere
Cherry staggers back into the ropes. He was hurt and wanted to hold on.
Simpson caught up with them, stalking forward and catching the Londoner with a right uppercut.
The homegrown fighter kept the momentum going in the second round, using feints to neutralize Celli’s punches and stabbing into his left side.
Another of his right punches struck Cellie in the head, forcing Cellie to respond.
Cherry usually likes to push forward but finds it difficult to take the initiative. He still managed to get the hook over the top, but Simpson was the aggressor and kept Cherry at bay more often than not.
Just before the end of the fourth round, Cherry landed a right jab to the center right that landed flat and gave Simpson a moment of pause.
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Watch the heartwarming moment Kell Brook visits Simpson’s locker room before the game
The Yorkshireman’s pace of work dropped in the fifth round, with Cherry forcing him out of the exchange.
Simpson countered Cherry’s right hook with a right hook of his own, but he got caught up in the tangle as Cherry ducked the jab.
Simpson didn’t hear the referee call for a stop and hit Cherry with a right fist to the body. The Londoner accepted this without complaint and, upon recovery, snuck a left hook of his own into Cherry’s trunk.
However, the challenger continued to pressure Cerli, lunging at him and then using both hands to quickly spread out. Feeling the pressure of these attacks, Cherry had to retreat into the ropes.
The local favorite continued to use Cerli in the ninth round, looking for further punishing right hands. A quick cross from Cherry takes him out, but Simpson attacks again and drives Cherry into the ropes. The Londoners had to stand up and walk away.
Simpson defeated Cherry in the first round
Simpson kept going, energizing the bullet as he surged forward toward Cherry.
The crowd applauded enthusiastically, urging Simpson to leave his corner in the final round. As Cherry retreated, he looked for a big hit. Simpson shot straight with his left hand and hit hard. Under pressure, Cherry was forced to appear to bite the bullet.
The champion turned his attack to the body, hooking Simpson in the ribs. Cherry raised his hands to end the fight, but his face fell when the final bell sounded. He must have known then that he wasn’t doing enough.
Simpson won the fight with all three judges by scores of 118-111, 118-110 and 117-111.
Simpson keeps putting pressure on Cherry
“It’s great. The most important thing for me is not to let this opportunity affect me,” he said. “I made a lot of mistakes, but a win is a win.
“I’m still far from finished with the article, but we’re on the way.
“I want to prove I’m the best in this division. I want to win the British Championship outright.
“As soon as I get the house cleaned up, we’ll move on.”
