Simpson lacks 'true self-belief' - Williamson

Troy Williamson said super-middleweight rival Callum Simpson lacks "true self-belief" as the pair engaged in verbal sparring at a news conference in Leeds.

Undefeated Simpson puts his British, European and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles on the line at the city's First Direct Arena on Saturday.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed a dream year, winning three fights inside the distance and selling out Oakwell - the home of his beloved Barnsley FC.

But Williamson feels Simpson lacks self-belief after seeing him asking former world champion Kell Brook for advice prior to his win over Zak Chelli in 2024.

"I see vulnerabilities and weakness. I don't think he's got true self-belief," Williamson said.

"When he boxed Chelli he was asking Kell Brook for advice 20 minutes before the ring walk. That stood out for me."

Saturday's card will be broadcast live on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.

Simpson, who climbed off the canvas twice in his last fight to beat Ivan Zucco in round 10 in June, hit back at those suggestions.

"If you're talking self-belief, would someone with no self-belief push Boxxer to headline in their hometown stadium? To headline Leeds arena? Someone without self-belief wouldn't be doing that," Simpson said.

"Kell Brook is someone I've looked up to for years so I'd be silly not to ask for advice. It would be daft.

"I've asked loads of boxers for advice. Why would I not reach out?"

The pair were respectful of each other either side of going back-and-forth over Simpson's self-belief, and a tense face-off passed without any incident.

Williamson gave his career a much-needed boost by halting a three-fight losing streak when stopping Mark Dickinson for the British super-middleweight title in September.

The 34-year-old jumped up a division for that victory and admitted he probably waited too long to listen to his body.

"I am a different animal," Williamson said.

"I feel better in sessions and it's my natural weight. I can train properly and have proper session. I'm sleeping better and recovering better."

Darlington fighter Williamson insisted he will "thrive" in the hostile atmosphere that awaits him in Leeds, with Simpson expected to bring a large following across Yorkshire from Barnsley.

Simpson has built a strong a loyal following since turning professional in 2019 and regularly meets fans before fights to hand over tickets in person.

"I've got amazing support, it's everything a boxing coming up would want," Simpson said.

"You see people like Ricky Hatton, rest in peace, and Josh Warrington did it and I'm building that base.

"It's spreading across the country with people coming to get tickets from me."

Thursday's news conference was serene for the most part but there was a period of vibrancy when American Blair Cobbs took the microphone.

Cobbs, 35, interjected when undefeated British opponent Elliot Whale was asked a question and imitated WWE superstar The Rock, saying "it doesn't matter what you think".

Known as 'The Flair', Cobbs also paid tribute to WWE Hall of Famer Rick Flair by shouting "woooo".

"I am the underdog of the boxing world," Cobbs said.

"I'm doing this for the fans, so that's why I hold this belt proudly as the people's champ. No one thought I'd beat Adrien Broner - the promoter didn't think so - but lo and behold Blair the Flair did it.

"The fans deserve a champion that looks like this, talks like this and walks like this."

Cobbs beat former world champion Broner in his last bout and holds the WBC-NABF welterweight title.

Callum Simpson v Troy Williamson

20 December

Undercard action begins from 17:30 GMT on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website and app before BBC Three coverage and live text commentary begins from 19:30