Johnny Nelson believes the best is yet to come from 'hugely talented' Callum Simpson

Former world champion Johnny Nelson says he is intrigued to find out exactly how high up the world boxing ladder Callum Simpson can climb as he gets set to fight for European honours for the first time this weekend.

The 28-year-old has firmly established himself as a leading super-middleweight contender across the domestic scene over the past couple of years, recording a couple of notable scalps along the way.

Statement victories over Zak Chelli and Steed Woodhall have strengthened his standing in the stacked 168lbs division, whilst also capturing him the British, Commonwealth and WBO Intercontinental titles.

Over 17,000 spectators are expected to pack inside Oakwell, the home of Simpson's beloved Barnsley Football Club, on Saturday night as he bids to overcome Ivan Zucco add the vacant European strap to his collection.

The hard-hitting Italian, like Simpson, has yet to be beaten as a professional and, according to Sky Sports pundit Nelson, represents an undoubted step-up in quality for the world-title chasing British star.

"I genuinely don't know how high he can go and that's what makes our game so curious," the current Sky Sports pundit told Boxing News.

I know he is a hugely talented fighter, but have we seen the best of him yet? I honestly don't think so.

- Johnny Nelson (Boxing News)

"The reason why I don't think that is because he is has shown he is willing to go and spar with the very best, and I fully respect anybody who is willing to kiss a**e to kick a**e.

"He's packed his bag, gone all over the world and shared the ring with the very best, and that, for me, is where you really learn your trade and figure out what your ceiling is.

"Callum has done all of that and he still does that, and we will find out where he can get to when he gets in with somebody who can really test him, which he is about to do."

The hugely popular Simpson has gained a reputation as being one of the hottest ticket-sellers in British boxing since penning a multi-fight deal with Manchester-based promotional organisation BOXXER.

A near 20,000 will to descend on Oakwell for this weekend's bill, providing further proof of his star quality.

"He's a boxing promoters dream; anybody would want a fighter who sells tickets," Nelson added.

"Callum does that because he sells tickets in bucket loads - he's sold 16 or 17,000 for this fight alone, which is extraordinary for somebody on the domestic scene.

"But on top of that, he's clearly a good fighter too, so business wise he's the real deal, and that is only going to keep growing as long as he continues winning.

"The next six or seven months will give us a clearer indication as to what his ceiling is, but he's in a really good place right now, and I feel he will scale even greater heights."

Mark Mothershaw

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