British super-middleweight mandatory challenger Callum Simpson hopes to solidify his opportunity for the prestigious Lonsdale Belt this summer if he successfully defeats Dulla Mbabe (34-13-1, 29KOs) on Sunday evening. 

Simpson (13-0,9 KOs) will appear on the undercard of the highly anticipated all-British heavyweight encounter between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke, which will take place at London’s O2 Arena.

The Barnsley-based super middleweight was recently named as mandatory challenger for British title holder Zak Chelli with both parties reportedly agreeing terms to face each other according to the British Boxing Board of Control. However, no date has been confirmed by Ben Shalom, who promotes both Simpson and Chelli, as to when the British title affair will take place. 

Simpson remains composed ahead of his expected fight with Chelli and is focusing on the task at hand against Mbabe. The Tanzanian is a former opponent of British and world super-middleweight champion Rocky Fielding and is no stranger to fighting on the road. Simpson realizes he needs to come through the contest with the Tanzanian unscathed to continue his pursuit towards the British title.

“He’s a knockout artist [Mbabe]. There should be fireworks,” Simpson told the Barnsley Chronicle. “He has 29 wins by KO, so he is no mug. His past losses have been against top kids who he has taken eight or 10 rounds.

“It’s easy to take your eye off the ball and look at the fights in the future. But I need to make sure I do the business. I am feeling good and the preparation has been great.”

Simpson’s date with Chelli is expected to be announced following his fight with Mbabe, and he added that the all-but-confirmed fight with Chelli will take place “closer to home.” 

“My fans have been really loyal to me, traveling hundreds of miles to watch me in London and other places. All I can say is that my next fight, with Chelli for the British title, will be a lot closer to home, and hopefully, it will be announced in the ring after I win on Sunday,” said Simpson