Callum Simpson won the British and Commonwealth titles by unanimous decision over Jack Celli at the Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley.
The hometown crowd erupted in jubilation when he was announced as the “new” champion after 12 rounds of intense and determined fighting.
Simpson made an impact on Chelley from the start of the fight. With the crowd roaring behind him, he thrilled the Barnsley supporters when he staggered Chelley with a right hand late in the first round.
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Simpson walks into an electric atmosphere at Oakwell.
Chelly was swinging back into the rope. He was hurt and tried to hold on.
Simpson chased him, ran forward and caught the Londoner with a right uppercut.
The home fighter's momentum continued in the second round, as he used feint attacks to defeat Chelli and land a left.
He delivered another right hand to the head, leaving Chelli no choice but to respond.
Chelli usually prefers to move forward, but found it difficult to get himself on the front foot. He still pulled the hook up, but Simpson was the aggressor and kept Chelli away too often.
Just before the end of the fourth round, Celly struck right down the center, causing Simpson to pause for a moment.
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Watch the heartwarming moment when Kell Brook visits Simpson's dressing room ahead of the fight.
In the fifth round the Yorkshireman's pace slowed down slightly and Celly pushed him away from his opponent.
Simpson countered Chelly's right hook with a hook of his own, but Chelly dodged the jab and he found himself in a clinch.
Simpson, who didn't hear the referee call a break, smashed a right hand into Chelly's body. The Londoner accepted it without complaint, and when the fight resumed, he sneaked a left hook into Chelly's body.
But the challenger continued to press Chelly, lunging at him and then launching an attack with both hands. Chelly felt the pressure of the attack and had to retreat to the ropes.
The local favorite stayed with Chelli in the ninth round, looking for a more powerful right hand. Chelli's quick cross caught him, but Simpson struck again, sending Chelli into the ropes. The Londoner was forced to get up on his toes and move.
Simpson shook Celly in the first round
Simpson continued to advance, charging towards Celly and consistently injecting energy into the round.
A huge applause from the crowd urged Simpson to get out of the corner for the final round. As Celly retreated, he looked for a powerful shot. Simpson landed a straight left, a strong and clean shot. Under pressure, Celly had no choice but to look for a clinch.
The champion switched his attack to the body and hit Simpson in the ribs with a hook. Chelly threw his hands and ended the fight, but his face hardened when the final bell rang. He must have known then that he hadn't done enough.
Simpson scored the fight 118-111, 118-110, 117-111 by the three judges.
Simpson continued to pressure Chelly.
“It was amazing. The most important thing for me was not to get caught up in that situation,” he said. “I made a lot of mistakes, but a win is a win.
“There's no finished article yet, but it's progressing well.
“I want to prove that I am the best in this category and I want to absolutely win the British title.
“Once the domestic situation is resolved, we will push forward again.”
