Dundee’s rising boxing star, Sam Hickey, delivered a masterclass performance in his third professional fight, dominating Harley Hodgetts over six rounds to secure a unanimous decision victory at Oakwell Stadium. The open-air contest, marking Hickey’s first outdoor professional bout, took place on the undercard of Callum Simpson’s thrilling European super-middleweight title clash against Ivan Zucco, broadcast live on Sky Sports and promoted by BOXXER.
The 24-year-old middleweight, a 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist and European bronze medallist, showcased his technical prowess and ring intelligence, winning every round on all three judges’ scorecards with identical 60-54 tallies. Hickey’s slick movement, sharp combinations, and defensive nous overwhelmed Hodgetts, a resilient fighter from Portsmouth, Hampshire, who struggled to find answers to the Scot’s relentless pressure.
“It felt incredible to box under the open sky for the first time,” Hickey said post-fight. “The atmosphere at Oakwell was electric, and I’m thrilled to keep my unbeaten record intact. Harley was tough, but I stuck to my game plan, and it paid off. I’m learning with every fight, and I’m ready for bigger challenges.”
Hickey, who turned professional in October 2024, has quickly established himself as a prospect to watch. His debut saw him outpoint John Henry Mosquera, followed by a first-round stoppage of Lewis Howells in January 2025. This latest victory, under the guidance of renowned coach Robert McCracken, further solidifies his reputation as a future prospect. BOXXER CEO Ben Shalom praised Hickey’s potential, stating, “Sam is a special talent. His performance tonight was clinical, and we’re excited to see him bring massive fight nights back to Scotland.”
The event, headlined by Barnsley’s own Callum Simpson, drew a capacity crowd of 15,000 to Oakwell Stadium, home of Barnsley FC. Simpson’s gritty 10th-round stoppage of Zucco to claim the European title sent the Yorkshire faithful into raptures, but Hickey’s composed display earlier in the evening earned its own share of plaudits. Social media buzzed with praise, with fans comparing Hickey’s style to a “young Joe Calzaghe” for his fluid footwork and high work rate.
For Hickey, the fight was a step toward his ultimate goal. “I want to bring fights to Dundee and Scotland,” With BOXXER and Sky Sports backing his journey, Hickey is poised for a busy 2025, with plans for four or five fights to climb the middleweight ranks.
As the Oakwell crowd roared under the summer night sky, Hickey’s dominant performance served notice: Scotland’s next boxing king is on the rise.
