Simpson training with Burns to get ready for Lindsay on December 15th

JOHN SIMPSON has been sparring with World Boxing Organization (WBO) super-featherweight champion Ricky Burns to get himself in shape for his next big fight.

The Scot (21-7) bids to become British featherweight champion for the second time when he challenges Martin Lindsay (17-0) at King’s Hall, Belfast on Wednesday December 15.

Simpson, 27, is still bristling after controversially losing his Commonwealth title to Stephen Smith in September.

But he has welcomed the quick route back adding: “Training is going well and I am getting brilliant sparring right now.

“Everything is falling into place. I have been working with Ricky Burns who has a defence a week or so before my fight and Carl Frampton who is a great prospect.”

Although he will be going into the lion’s den when he tangles with Belfast idol Lindsay, boxing away is no problem having won most of his title fights in England.

And when he was on home soil in Glasgow against Smith the judges did him no favours at all.

He said: “There will be 6,000 screaming at me, but it doesn’t bother me. My record shows how well I fight on the road.”

Simpson had his first reign as British champion four years ago beating Andy Morris and made two defences before losing to Paul Appleby in June 2008.
If he beats Lindsay he will win a Lonsdale belt outright.

A second title fight sees Oldham based Mongolian Shinny Bayaar risk his British flyweight title against Liverpool hopeful Paul Edwards (7-0)

Also on the bill will be 2008 Olympic bronze medallist Tony Jeffries who willl be back in action for the first time since his disappointing draw with Michael Banbula and will be fighting for the first time since linking up with renowned veteran trainer Tommy Brooks.

Tickets for Maloney’s spectacular show which will be televised by Sky Sports are available priced £25, £35 and 55 from www.frankmaloney.com and 0871 226 1508