Callum Singh….Midlands champ plans to make next year a big one
A STARK social media message to fans from newly crowned Midlands bantam champ Callum Singh.
“No title defence this year due to no one accepting. When you’ve all found your b******s let me know.
The laughing emoji suggests the statement is tongue-in-cheek. The frustration is real enough.
Coventry’s Callum, who took the vacant belt in September with points victory over Frazer Morgan, had hoped to squeeze in a defence before Christmas. The best laid plans, however…
The 24-year-old, a product of Bulkington gym, is itching to get in the British title mix and intends to make 2027 a year to remember.
Trainer Tom Powell was more diplomatic when he told me: “Jon (manager Jon Pegg) looked for something before Christmas but, whether because of the short notice, no one seemed interested.
“We’re looking for the New Year – push on and see what’s next at bantam.”
The difficulty in finding opponents at local level is understandable. Singh’s tall, well schooled and hits with authority. In 10 fights, only big punching Scot Lennon Mulligan has bettered Singh, halting him in six in Glasgow last year.
And Bulkington gym boss Brendan Norman agrees a British title fight could surface next year. Opportunities arrive with surprising speed in the lower weights.
“I think with the right fights he can definitely get an English, then British – after that depends on his development. He needs the right fights and we won’t jump into something silly just for the money.
“He’s needs something in-between before a British title fight – if not an English, maybe an international, one to confirm he’s good for 10 rounds, then you know 12 is not a problem.”
Singh entered the paid game without fanfare: he was a solid, not spectacular, amateur. Brendan said: “As an amateur, he didn’t train properly but always did alright because of his talent.
“Then from nowhere he wanted to turn pro. It’s a big difference from what you have been doing – using your talent to get through three rounds, win some, lose some. I think he’s taken to the pros more than he did the amateurs.”
Brendan added: “I think the Mulligan loss was the best thing that could’ve happened to him. He didn’t listen, got caught, he fought with his heart rather than listen to what he was told. The way he fought in the title fight with Frazer Morgan, you could tell the lesson had been learned.”