Greenock boxer John Simpson still dreams of world title shot

Simpson, 29, has won and lost British and Commonwealth titles at featherweight. His career record of 24 wins and nine losses suggests highs and lows: that would be a fair summary.

He first fought for the British strap in 2004 but lost to Dazzo Williams. He avenged an earlier defeat by Andy Morris to eventually lift the title in London in 2006 and successfully defended it a few times before losing to fellow Scot Paul Appleby two years later.

But he is not a man who takes defeat lightly. He fought his way back to win the Commonwealth title in January 2009 against Paul Truscott and came through two defences before Liverpool’s Stephen Smith edged a close encounter in Glasgow in 2010.

Three months later he beat Martin Lindsay in Belfast to regain the British title. Fast forward another four months and old adversary Smith snatched that one from him too.

When Lee Selby thudded a punch into his ribs 16 months ago it was the first time he had been stopped and signalled the end of his time at featherweight.

However, by increasing his fighting weight by 4lb to box at super-featherweight, Simpson feels stronger.

Having stopped his last two opponents – Appleby and Dai Davies – he is confident ahead of his bout for the vacant WBO Inter-Continental title against Manchester based 41-year-old Tseveenpurev.