Expert Harper picks Woodall to take title

Fight City analyst Harper says: Points or late stoppage win

THE clock is now ticking to the big one.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Birmingham’s Steed Woodall bids to rip the British and Commonwealth super-middleweight titles from unbeaten and formidable Callum Simpson.

The Sheffield clash is a true 50-50 battle, on paper a potential barnstormer. I’ve already analysed the scheduled 12 rounder and interviewed Steed’s team.

Final say, as always, is with Fight City expert Adam Harper, former English light-middleweight champ, now a manager and trainer.

Harper’s comments may have ruffled feathers, but he’s yet to call a fight incorrectly on this forum. The man is an encyclopaedia of the modern domestic game.

He said: “Let’s make no mistake, it’s a tough task for Woodall. Callum Simpson is a very, very good fighter, but I look at him and think he must struggle to make super-middle (12st). That will go against him.

“People have forgotten Woodall was, as an amateur, once ranked fifth in the world – admittedly at junior level. Simpson has beaten very credible opponents, but he’s not been in with someone with Woodall’s amateur accolades.

“Steed is always in amazing shape and if he implements the correct game plan and sticks to it he can get the decision or even a late stoppage.

“He is the away fighter and there’s the old adage that the away fighter is a couple of rounds behind before the first bell rings. Therefore, he has to beat the champion convincingly, he needs everything to go his way on Saturday night. He has to grab this opportunity with both hands.

“I’ll be rooting for Steed Woodall. I think he’s a fantastic fighter and I’ve been telling people that from the beginning, I’ve been saying it for a long time. He’s a great, great talent.”

Harper’s pick: Woodall on points or by late stoppage.