While an Oakwell summer homecoming is next, Callum Simpson capitalised on an early night's work against Steed Woodall by staying active with a second fight three weeks afterwards, dismissing the unpredictable Elvis Ahorgah in five rounds.

Nearing six full years as a professional, the proud Barnsley man has seen his stock steadily rise, helped by BOXXER and Sky Sports building the super-middleweight's profile across the country.

It wasn't so long ago though, Simpson was mostly known on the domestic circuit for being a tough sparring partner for now-undisputed light-heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev (21-0, 20 KOs) before his eighth-round stoppage victory over Anthony Yarde.

Called about the big opportunity by manager Kevin Maree on holiday in the Dominican Republic, perhaps it's a good thing he doesn't watch much boxing - the answer wouldn't have been so forthcoming before travelling to Montreal over the 2022 festive period.

"At first I didn't realise who it was, then I looked at YouTube, thought maybe it wasn't the best idea, what have I got myself into? Went for three weeks in December, his trainer Marc Ramsay got me in the office the first week and asked if I could stay in Christmas, you're challenging him," he told Sky's Andy Scott on their Toe2Toe podcast.

Six weeks it was, learning invaluable lessons first-hand about how a world champion trains and their setup while enhancing his own level of self-belief about the levels he can soon reach - going from sparring notable domestic-level contenders to the upper echelon of elite operators in the discipline.

"I've got a lot to learn and improve upon but it taught me a lot about what I am as a boxer," he continued. Little less than 18 months after sharing his story, he was skilfully outpointing then-champion Zak Chelli to clinch the British and Commonwealth titles.

At the time of writing, Simpson (17-0, 12 KOs) is ranked #7 by the WBA, #8 WBC and #12 IBF. He's also second with the EBU for a currently vacant title, #1 contender Kevin Lele Sadjo (24-0, 21 KOs) having already made two title defences and moving towards world-level eliminators now, Christian Mbili fight collapse notwithstanding.

Italian southpaw Ivan Zucco (21-0, 18 KOs) has been installed as the next title challenger, though BOXXER chief Ben Shalom outlined their desire to match him against a "big American" former world champion opponent for Oakwell, pushing towards world title opportunities for the 28-year-old, as he builds up steam.

On the subject of sparring, the undisputed light-heavyweight king sits top of the tree. However as Simpson has forged his own path and is now deemed one of the world's best super-middleweight contenders, acquiring top-level sparring cannot be understated - building out your base and sharpening motivations to test yourself among the division's elite names.

"It's massively important, you can't beat great sparring, especially with my style and the pressure I put on them, I've used quite a few amateurs, mixing with three lads for 10-12 [rounds], pushing myself physically. Obviously I used to be the sparring partner but now I'm bringing them in to get good solid rounds, paying them, the dynamic is different," he told The Ring.

Simpson doesn't watch a lot and isn't alone in that, many boxers don't find the sport appealing or pay much attention unless it's specific to their needs. Having spotted him in Riyadh during that October fight week, he had a ringside seat for their much-anticipated first bout. What did he think first time around and how will it be different in their rematch?

"Honestly, I thought Bivol won that to be honest, Beterbiev underperformed slightly. This time though, Artur will win by stoppage, I'd say in the late rounds... from nine onwards. Bivol boxed great but Beterbiev wasn't at his best and has more to improve further out of the two, Bivol can't be much better so I wouldn't be surprised if Artur leaves no doubt this time."