British Boxing: Commonwealth King Paul Truscott Faces Tough Test Against John Simpson

Featherweight Paul Truscott of Middlesbrough, England enjoyed a sterling amateur career before joining the pro ranks in 2006 after just turning 20 years of age.

After winning ten bouts against the usual suspects on the British scene, Truscott captured the vacant Commonwealth belt in just his eleventh start by outfighting durable Ghanaian "Golden Boy" Osumanu Akaba in May of this year.

After a good eight round workout against Belgian Alex Miskirtchian in October, Truscott will now tangle with Scottish hard man John Simpson on January 16.

But is Truscott ready for the test against Simpson?

The undefeated 22 year old's promoter Barry Hearn must think so as the two are set to clash at Easton Sports Academy in Middlesbrough, the hometown of "Trussy".

It will be skill vs. will as the silky boxing but light hitting Truscott must turn back the pressure style of former British Champion Simpson.

Most of Simpson's six losses have been close affairs as the Greenock man has come up short against Steve Foster Jr, Derry Matthews, Andy Morris and Dazzo Williams, who have collectively held a raft of decent titles at one point or another.

Simpson won the British belt by stopping Morris in a rematch and proved that was no fluke by repeating the feat a year later and followed that with a win over difficult Dewsbury based Syrian spoiler Yusef Al Hamidi.

But a close loss to another young bright prospect, Paul Appleby, in which Simpson lost his British belt, this past June is likely what set the stage for the Truscott contest, which will be another difficult fight involving the rugged Simpson, whoever comes out on top.