Middlesbrough’s Truscott was stopped by the Scot in January and forced to vacate his crown, by dint of a badly cut eye, but some critics felt that the 23-year-old would have gone on to retain the title but for the misfortune he suffered in the eighth round.

Understandably, Simpson does not agree and is keen to prove that he is a worthy champion when they meet tonight at the Eton Sports Academy in Middlesbrough after the rematch, originally scheduled for July 17, had to be put on hold. The reason for the late call-off was flash floods that resulted in health and safety concerns at the venue when Sky TV’s cables became submerged.

Billy Nelson, who has been assisting Simpson’s regular trainer, Danny Lee, said. “I believe if John produces even 75% of what he has been showing in the gym he will stop Truscott, probably in the middle to late rounds. But it wouldn’t surprise me if Truscott went early because John’s punching has been crisp and hard. I have seen a vast improvement in him.”