CALLUM SIMPSON fought back the tears as he dedicated his second-round victory over Steed Woodall to his late sister.

Just a week after Simpson beat Zak Chelli last August, his 19-year-old sister Lily-Rae went on holiday to the Greek island of Zakynthos with a friend.

But the two girls were tragically involved in a quad bike accident and Lily-Rae was placed in intensive care. Then, after a problem during surgery, Lily-Rae died, rocking the Simpson family to its core.

Her super-middleweight brother Callum was hitting the heavy bag when he heard the news and says he heard his sister’s voice during training camp as he prepared for Saturday’s clash with Woodall.

He said: “Some people might have needed a year out but I was straight back in the gym. Boxing gave me a serious focus and something to push on for.”

Simpson marked the occasion by stopping Woodall in the second round at the Park Community Arena and he was joined by a swathe of family members for an emotional celebration in the ring.

He added: “It’s bittersweet, I’ve won these titles in front of all my fans but there’s one person I think everyone knows I wish was here.

“But I know she’s looking down on me and I know I made her proud. I’ve got my other brothers and sisters, mum, dad and stepmum in the ring with me. She’s not here but I know she’s here in spirit. I’ve still got a lot to be grateful for and a lot to keep pushing on for and to stay strong for.

“Boxxer offered me easier fights, eight-10 rounders against international opponents but I said ‘no, I want to get back in there.

"We picked up momentum from Oakwell by beating Chelli and I wanted to carry it on. Some people might have needed a year out but I was straight back in the gym. Boxing gave me a serious focus and something to push on for.”