Simmons Set For Pro Debut In Tennessee
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermudian boxer Saundre “Dash” Simmons will launch his professional career against Calvin Early at the Holiday Inn in Johnson City, Tennessee, next Saturday [November 11].
Simmons said he is hungry to build on his promising amateur career, placing runner-up at the USA National Boxing Championships in Louisiana and the Golden Gloves of America in Oklahoma in 2021.
The 26-year-old, who lives in Asheville, North Carolina, faces Johnson in a four-round cruiserweight contest and envisions being ranked in the top 25 nationally in his weight division by the beginning of 2025.
“I’m feeling no nerves,” Simmons told Bernews. “It’s a gift, a joy, a pleasure to show people my God-given talent.
“I have a manager [Dustin Long] who trusts my ability. We have a plan.”
Born in Lancaster, Massachusetts, but raised in Somerset to Bermudian parents before moving to Asheville with his mother when he was 12, Simmons believes he has always had a fighting style suited to the pro ranks.
“I had a pro style as an amateur,” said Simmons, who looked set to turn pro in May before his fight fell through. “I was a thumper and hit harder than most people.
“It was never about the output; it was always about hurting someone. The hunger and ferocity are still there.
“My manager wants to squeeze one more in [after Early] this year and push me fast. I want at least seven or eight fights by the end of next year.”
Trained by Enoc Solano, Simmons has been sparring with experienced professionals such as heavyweight Robert Hall Jr and Brandon Glanton, a leading cruiserweight, in preparation for Tennessee southpaw Early [1-6].
“I’ve matured and stayed consistent in the gym for the past two years,” added Simmons, who is due to become a father for the first time this month.
“I’ve stood in front of people who are better than me. I’ve tried to ensure I’m not the best boxer in the room [in training camp].
“I’m just trying to surround myself with the upper echelons of fighters and gauge how good I am and where I want to be.”
