Boxing: John Simpson plans leading role against part-time actor Bell

Published on Thursday 19 November 2009 23:02

JOHN Simpson, the Commonwealth featherweight champion from Greenock, will encounter one of boxing's more unusual characters when he defends his title at the Metro Arena, Newcastle on 5 December.

Steve Bell, from Manchester, has not achieved a great deal in the ring but he has enjoyed some notable successes as an actor, including playing the part of a gay bare knuckle fighter in the film Like It Is. However, Bell, 34, who has appeared in several television soaps including Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Shameless, insists that he should not be viewed as a soft touch.

"This will be the biggest fight of my career. I have waited a long time for the opportunity to box for a major title and I feel acting has prepared me for the big stage," said Bell.

But Bell will have his work cut out against an opponent who has never been stopped in 26 contests.

"I feel that I have grown in stature in my last two fights. While I expect a tough fight, I cannot see where Steve Bell beats me," said Simpson.