Jarryd Simmons Set To Fight In Ontario
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Jarryd Simmons will be heading into the unknown when he takes on Shadadi Mbuguje in a Muay Thai showdown in Ontario, Canada, next month.
The 25-year-old will compete in a three-round, 139lb bout against Mbuguje, a representative of MAS Academy of Martial Arts, on the St Valentine’s Massacre fight card at Tapestry Hall in Cambridge on February 22.
Simmons has spent the past two and a half years refining his skills at Fight City Muay Thai and Fitness on Pitts Bay Road.
He heads into the contest with an unblemished amateur record of four consecutive victories and is eager to keep his winning streak alive.
“I’ve been putting my all into this training camp,” Simmons told Bernews. “I’ve been working on my striking, increasing my stamina, and done a ton of clinch work.
“It’s going to be a crazy experience, like nothing I’ve done before. I’m heading into the unknown. I know very little about my opponent.”
As the away fighter, Simmons is aware of the challenges he will face competing in Mbuguje’s ‘backyard’.
“The majority of the crowd will be cheering him on,” he said. “It’s his backyard, so I will have a few mental hurdles to overcome. I’m sure we’ll pull through.”
Simmons already has championship experience under his belt, having captured the 127lb title in the Novice C Class at the TBA Classic Muay Thai World Championships in Des Moines, Iowa, last summer.
His journey into Muay Thai began after a six-year stint in Taekwondo, leading him to explore new challenges in combat sports.
“I wanted to try something new and started watching some YouTube videos about Muay Thai,” said Simmons, who will have Fight City head coach Chuck Morgan in his corner.
“Someone recommended Muay Thai gym and Fight City Muay Thai and Fitness, and here I am, preparing for an overseas bout!”
