The star upset the odds to dethrone his domestic rival for the British, Commonwealth and continental belts in December.

But while Williamson had hoped to move up to world level with his biggest career triumph, his hopes have been dashed.

A rematch clause invoked by Simpson's promoter BOXXER means he misses out on an IBF title bout with Osleys Iglesias.

Instead, Williamson will return to face a familiar foe for the second time, albeit with one less strap on the line between them.

EBU rules dictate no direct rematches can be fought for their titles, meaning the Darlington native has given up the belt.

Jose Luis Navarro and Pierre Hubert Di Bombe are expected to fight for the now-vacant crown in the coming months.

However, if Jacob Bank defeats William Scull this weekend, the former could well enter the conversation for a shot too.

Iglesias meanwhile appears primed to face Pavel Silyagin for the vacant IBF crown, amid major upheaval in the division.

Terence Crawford's retirement after defeating Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez last year has scattered the belts, sparking a free-for-all.

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