In December, Simpson (18-1, 13 KOs) suffered a shattering 10th-round stoppage defeat to Williamson (22-4-1, 16 KOs) in their British, Commonwealth and European super middleweight title fight.

On August 8, the two will return to Leeds' First Direct Arena in what has developed into a heated rematch. Simpson told The Ring he began to mentally prepare for a second meeting as soon as he left the ring last time out.

“We got back to the changing room and everyone was absolutely gutted and disheartened. I was like, "Look, I've lost one fight. It isn’t going to break me,"” he said.

“I think it's going to make me. I’ve made some changes that I felt I need to have made since that fight. I’ve made improvements and I can't wait to come back bigger, better, stronger.”

In the aftermath of the loss, Simpson left his longtime trainer Mark Hurley and joined up with Rob McCracken at the English Institute of Sport.

He is taking confidence from his new training regime but the 29-year-old is also drawing strength and support from the following he's generated in his Barnsley hometown.

It is three and a half years since Simpson walked out at the Oldham Sports Center to fight for the Central Area title. Since then, he has taken his fans on an incredible ride and brought major sporting events to South Yorkshire.

In August 2024 he attracted a 7,000-strong crowd to the town's football stadium for his British title victory over Zak Chelli.

The following summer, around 15,000 willed him up from two early knockdowns and roared him to a 10th-round stoppage win over Italy’s Ivan Zucco in their dramatic European title fight.

Backed by friends and family refusing to desert him after defeat, he can't wait to repay them for their faith and support.

“The messages that I got and the support after was unbelievable,” he said.

“Everyone says boxing fans are fickle, but Barnsley, Yorkshire, we get behind our own. They're a massive testament to that. Even walking down the street going through Barnsley, people come up to me just saying how proud of me they are.

“We’re getting sent videos of grown blokes crying, people come up to me at football saying, "We were crying our eyes out. We were gutted for you but we’re so proud, we’re backing you. Win, lose, draw, we’re on this journey. We’re so proud of what you've done for Barnsley and yourself.”

“That’s why I can't wait. Everyone keeps saying, “I bet you can't wait to prove the doubters wrong,” but I'm more worried about proving people that support me right.”