“If Troy Williamson wants war, we’ll have it.” – Callum Simpson

Callum Simpson said Troy Williamson “would go to war if he wanted to” as both fighters made weight ahead of Saturday’s British, European and Commonwealth super-middleweight showdown in Leeds.

Simpson (29 years old) tipped the scales at 11, 13 pounds, 11 ounces (75.9 kg), while Williamson came in slightly lighter at 11, 13 pounds, 6 ounces (75.8 kg).

Simpson, unbeaten after 18 fights, puts his super middleweight titles on the line at First Direct Arena against Williamson, who has 21 wins, four losses and one draw on his record.

“[Williamson] “He can have it any way he wants,” said Simpson, who turned pro in 2019.

“He’s been wearing a hat all week that says ‘WAR’ on it. If he wants war, we’ll have war. Whatever he wants, he can have it.”

He added, “But I will win no matter what. I did not come just to defend, but to control. I want to show that I am above this level.”

Simpson stepped up from the board twice to claim an impressive win over Ivan Zocco in his hometown of Barnsley in June.

When asked what he saw in Simpson’s eyes when they faced off, the Darlington Williamson fighter said: “Just a guy standing in my way that I need to take care of.”

Simpson is expected to bring a large following across Yorkshire from Barnsley to the fight, but Williamson said he is unfazed by the support his opponent has.

“The fans can’t win the battle,” the 34-year-old added.

“They can make as much noise as they want. But it’s just me, him and the referee in the ring. That’s all that matters.”

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