Simpson vs Pacheco in 2025 Barnsley’s Unbeaten Star Calls for It

Callum Simpson isn’t here to play it safe. The undefeated British super middleweight from Barnsley has made his message loud and clear—he’s not content with just stacking up wins. He wants big names, big fights, and big belts. And at the top of his hit list? A showdown that’s starting to gain momentum: Simpson vs Pacheco.

On June 7, Simpson steps into the ring at Oakwell Stadium—the football ground of his hometown club—to take on Italy’s Ivan Zucco. It’s a massive night for the 28-year-old, who’s fighting in front of his home crowd for a European title. But in Simpson’s mind, this isn’t the end goal. It’s just the next step.

Because after Zucco, he wants Diego Pacheco. Then Edgar Berlanga. Maybe Caleb Plant. And ultimately? Canelo Alvarez.

Simpson’s dream isn’t a quiet one. He’s saying it out loud, and he’s backing it up in the ring.

From Barnsley to the World

Simpson’s 17-0 record with 12 knockouts speaks volumes. He’s not just getting by—he’s dominating. This year alone, he’s already handled business with solid wins over Elvis Ahorgah and Steed Woodall.

But as good as that sounds, Simpson knows the UK domestic scene at 168 lbs isn’t exactly loaded. There are fighters, sure, but none that really move the needle or help build his résumé the way he wants.

“If I’m honest, anyone I fight now in Britain would be a step backward,” he said recently. “There’s just no depth here. I would’ve loved to win the British title outright in good fights, but it’s just not there anymore.”

So instead of waiting around, Simpson is aiming higher. He’s chasing fights that matter, with opponents who can elevate his career and put him in line for world titles.

And one name keeps popping up: Diego Pacheco.

The Pacheco Problem

At just 23, Diego Pacheco is one of boxing’s most talked-about young stars. Tall, powerful, and backed by Matchroom and Eddie Hearn, the American has become a headline attraction. But Simpson doesn’t see anything special.

In fact, he wants to fight him next.

“I told Eddie Hearn when I saw him in Riyadh—‘If you do a 5 vs 5 card again, I want Pacheco,’” Simpson said. “And he looked confused, like, ‘Where’s Callum ranked?’ Well, I’m ranked higher than Pacheco with the IBF. I’m right behind him with the WBA. I’m top 10 across the board. So I’m closer to him than he thinks.”

It’s not trash talk—it’s a challenge. Simpson wants to test himself, and he sees Pacheco as the perfect measuring stick. Plus, he knows beating someone with Pacheco’s profile could change everything for his career.

“I think that’s the fight that gets me where I want to be. That’s the one I’m calling for.”

Oakwell and Zucco: More Than Just a Title Fight

Before he can start planning Pacheco’s funeral, Simpson has to take care of business against Ivan Zucco.

The 29-year-old Italian comes into the June 7 bout with an impressive 21-0 record, 18 of those wins by knockout. He’s no pushover, and Simpson knows it.

“He’s dangerous, no doubt,” Simpson said. “But I’ve trained for this. I’ve sparred top guys, bigger guys. I’ve been in deep waters. I know I’m ready.”

What makes this fight even more special is the venue—Oakwell Stadium, home of Barnsley FC. For Simpson, it’s more than just a location. It’s personal.

“This is home. Fighting here means everything to me,” he said. “I grew up coming to this stadium. To headline a show here—it’s surreal.”

The pressure’s there, of course. But so is the pride. And Simpson plans to use that energy to fuel the biggest win of his career.

168 lbs and Beyond

Simpson has made it clear: he can make 168 easily. In fact, cutting weight hasn’t really been an issue at all.

“I’m big for the weight, yeah. But I make it well,” he said. “Unless something crazy happens and I can’t make it anymore, I’m staying here. There’s too many good fights to leave.”

Still, he’s keeping one eye on the future. The light heavyweight division could be calling—eventually.

“When I spar light heavies, they don’t feel that much stronger,” Simpson explained. “They’re a bit slower. I think I could do well there, too. But there’s so much to do at 168 first.”

The list of opponents he wants includes Caleb Plant, Edgar Berlanga, Osleys Iglesias, and of course, Canelo Alvarez.

The Canelo Dream

For every fighter at super middleweight, the dream is the same: a fight with Canelo Alvarez. He’s the cash cow, the legend, the guy that turns fighters into millionaires overnight.

Simpson’s no different.

“That’s the goal, obviously,” he said. “Beat Zucco, go after Pacheco, keep climbing the ranks, and hopefully get that call by the end of next year. Imagine that—Callum Simpson vs. Canelo at the end of 2026. I’d take that in a heartbeat.”

Is it a long shot? Maybe. But Simpson isn’t here to be realistic. He’s here to win belts, cash big checks, and leave his name in the history books.

And if that means calling out legends, so be it.

Source: Callum Simpson on the trail of Diego Pacheco, other big names at 168

A Fighter With a Plan

What makes Simpson different from so many other up-and-comers is that he’s not just fighting and hoping things fall into place. He’s got a vision, and he’s working toward it step by step.

First, win the European title. Then, take out a big name like Pacheco. After that? Challenge for a world title. If all goes well, light heavyweight will still be there when he’s done.

“There’s a way to do this right,” he said. “And I’m on that path.”

It helps that he’s promoted by Boxxer, who’ve made it clear they want to bring more big fights to the UK. But Simpson isn’t afraid to travel, either. He’s willing to go wherever the biggest opportunities are.

Saudi Arabia. Vegas. New York. He doesn’t care.

“I just want the biggest fights,” he said. “Wherever they are, I’ll be there.”

Final Thoughts

Callum Simpson isn’t just another British fighter trying to make it big. He’s got the skills, the size, the mindset—and most importantly, the courage—to chase greatness.

June 7 at Oakwell is a huge night, but it’s not the destination. It’s the launchpad.

After Zucco, Simpson wants the names that matter. Pacheco. Berlanga. Plant. And maybe, just maybe, Canelo.

Whether he gets there or not remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure—he’s not waiting quietly. He’s knocking on the door, and soon enough, someone’s going to have to answer.

Read More: Callum Simpson on the trail of Diego Pacheco, other big names at 168