Callum Simpson vs Steed Woodall Predictions: World-ranked super middles square off

British and Commonwealth super middleweight champion Callum Simpson defends his belts this Saturday, January 11 against Steed Woodall. The bout takes place at the Park Community Arena in Sheffield. Sky Sports will broadcast the card, which also features Caroline Dubois defending her WBC lightweight title. 

Here are my Simpson vs Woodall predictions ahead of this super middleweight showdown.

Simpson is riding the crest of a wave coming into this fight. Last time out, he dethroned Zak Chelli to win the British and Commonwealth titles at a sold-out Oakwell Stadium. The Barnsley boy did his hometown proud and now he looks to continue his Yorkshire takeover.

Standing in his way is Woodall, who is coming off a career-best win of his own. The Birmingham man stopped Lerrone Richards in six rounds in his last fight. It was a result that saw Woodall gatecrash the WBO world rankings and derail the fine career of the unbeaten Richards. In short, ‘The Stallion’ arrived.

BOXXER have put a great fight together here. Two men coming off huge wins clashing with prestigious and genuine championships on the line. In a boxing world proliferated with meaningless trinkets, it always does the heart good to see the storied British and Commonwealth prizes defended in a big match-up.

Simpson is expected to get the job done in his home county. He has built up sensibly to his current position in the IBF and WBA rankings. After cutting his teeth against journeymen and novices in his early career, Simpson has tackled the gatekeepers of the division. 

Wins over Jose de Jesus Macias and Dulla Mbabe showed the direction of travel. Chelli was a step-up from those tough but fading men and now Simpson looks ready for bigger things. Patience is a virtue in a division ruled by Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, but a big win over Woodall can open some serious doors.

Woodall has had a rockier road to this fight. The 32-year-old has taken some tough fights in his time as his 19-2-1 record reflects. Woodall has certainly taken the road less travelled. While Simpson has carved out a reputation as a local hero, his opponent has gone abroad to make his bones.

There have been victories in the Dominican Republic. Disappointments in New York blues clubs. He knocked down future world title challenger Steve Rolls before getting stopped in four rounds in Texas. Racked up a points win in Poland. Woodall’s boxing education has been uncommonly eclectic.

A four-year lay-off between 2017 and 2021 due to a leg break and then the encroaching COVID-19 pandemic put a pin in Woodall’s career just as he was gaining momentum. But ‘The Stallion’ has gone 4-1 since, only losing on points in Padraig McCrory’s Belfast backyard. The Richards win softened that blow and now he has his first opportunity at major titles.

Woodall is the underdog but that has never stopped him before. This is a fighter who has seen and done more than most boxers. Steed and his opponent have walked very different paths to get here. Woodall’s globetrotting against Simpson’s classic domestic rise. It should make for an exciting, gritty fight on the night in Sheffield. With both men now in the world reckoning, this fight means everything.

Simpson vs Woodall Fight Odds

Simpson is your 1/10 favourite in this one while Woodall is priced at 6/1. The draw is available at 20/1. 

Simpson vs Woodall Full Card

Callum Simpson © vs. Steed Woodall - British and Commonwealth super middleweight title

Caroline Dubois © vs. Jessica Camara - WBC women's lightweight title 

Billy Deniz vs. Mickey Ellison

Sam Hickey vs. Lewis Howells

Mauro Silva vs. Emmanuel Zion

Ellis Price vs. Liam Fitzmaurice

Scott Forrest vs. Deevorn Miller

Simpson vs Woodall Prediction

I think this is going to be harder than it looks on paper for Simpson. I expect the champion to be made to fight for every minute of every round in a closer-than-expected clash. Woodall is tough and seasoned. He isn’t coming to lay down.

I don’t think the Birmingham man will win, however. I think this could be a close run thing and might come down to the last couple of rounds. But ultimately I believe Simpson will hold onto his title with a decision victory at 6/5.

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