CALLUM SIMPSON will get the chance to add the European title to his collection on June 7 when he faces undefeated Ivan Zucco at Oakwell.

The Barnsley super-middleweight currently holds the British and Commonwealth belts after his victory over Zak Chelli in August. He has since racked up two inside-distance victories, against Steed Woodall and Elvis Ahorgah, moving him to 17-0 (12).

That win over Chelli took place at Oakwell, home of Barnsley FC, in front of a sell-out crowd of around 7,000 fans and he will return back to the stadium this summer with thousands more tickets available for his second appearance.

And now it has been confirmed that 21-0 (18) Italian Zucco will be in the opposite corner with the vacant European title on the line.

As reported by The Ring, the southpaw from Piemonte had emerged as an option for another Brit Mark Jeffers but now Boxxer have decided to match him with Simpson instead.

The 29-year-old visitor is yet to compete over 12 rounds but does have good memories of English opponents, having outpointed Londoner Germaine Brown over 10 in March 2023.

Simpson said: “This is the biggest fight of my career, and I’m expecting my toughest test to date. Last summer, I won the British and Commonwealth titles in front of my home crowd, and now we’re coming back, bigger and better, fighting for the European title against an undefeated fighter in Ivan Zucco.

“This isn’t just another fight, it’s a massive European night, and I’m coming to put on a statement performance. I need Oakwell to be a fortress on June 7 and make sure that European title stays right here in Barnsley.

“The support from Barnsley means everything to me. This town has backed me from day one, and to be fighting at Oakwell again, in front of my people, is something special. Last time we sold it out in two days, this time we’re going even bigger. It’s going to be a night to remember and I couldn’t be prouder to represent Barnsley on the big stage.”

Zucco said: “I am really honoured to fight for such a prestigious title in such a big event. Facing a high-quality opponent like Callum Simpson is an opportunity that excites me a lot. It will be a tough battle, but I am ready to give my all for victory.

“Winning the European title would be a dream come true. This title means a lot to me, not only on a personal level, but also to my family and everyone who has always believed in me. It will be an honour to bring the title back to Italy and the culmination of a journey that I have undertaken with passion and sacrifice.”