Simmons Set For Second Pro Bout In Tennessee
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Saundre “Dash” Simmons takes the next step in his professional boxing career when he faces American Jayvone Dafney in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, next month.
Simmons will look to build upon his impressive debut, ruthlessly knocking out Tre Baker, of the United States, inside two rounds in Charlotte, North Carolina, last month.
He will face Dafney in a four-round cruiserweight contest at the Smoky Mountain Convention Centre on February 10.
Dafney has won three of his 15 bouts, including a technical knockout win in his previous outing over Fred Weaver in a heavyweight bout in Gadsden, Alabama, in October last year.
Simmons is preparing for the fight at the Bone Breaker Gym in Morganton, North Carolina, where he trained as an amateur.
He believes his more experienced opponent will provide him with a worthwhile test and is determined to put on a show as he aims to grow his reputation in Tennessee.
“I’m working with Jesse Becerra, who coached me at the national amateur tournaments back in the day,” Simmons told Bernews.
“My team is trying to bring me along at the right pace, and he [Dafney] has fought on Showtime under the bright lights. He won’t just lay down.
“People see me as a banger with heavy hands, but I can box. I’ll look to outbox him.”
Simmons added: “My manager [Dustin Long] is in Tennessee, and I spend plenty of time training out there. Making a name for myself [in Tennessee] will really help me expand as a fighter.”
Simmons has a third pro bout scheduled for March 9.
Born in Lancaster, Massachusetts, Simmons was raised by his Bermudian parents in Somerset before moving to Asheville, North Carolina, with his mother when he was 12.
He enjoyed a successful amateur career, placing runner-up at the USA National Boxing Championships in Louisiana and the Golden Gloves of America in Oklahoma in 2021.
