Saundre Simmons On Fighting In Australia
Bermudian boxer Saundre “Dash” Simmons says he is relishing the challenge of fighting in Australia when he faces Kirra Ruston for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific Light Heavyweight title.
Simmons [9-0] will take on the unbeaten Australian [9-0] at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre on August 26.
The main event will feature Nikita Tsyyu against Ben Mahoney in an IBF super-welterweight world title eliminator.
Simmons believes his bout represents a significant opportunity and is prepared to take the risk of fighting on his opponent’s home turf.
“This is a big one for me – it’s a great opportunity,” Simmons told Bernews.
“My team knew this opportunity was coming, and when it reared its head, we decided to hop on it.”
The 29-year-old acknowledges he will enter the contest as the underdog but believes his experience competing overseas will stand him in good stead.
“I’m the B-side fighter,” said Simmons, who has fought in the United States, Mexico and Bermuda as a professional.
“I know I’ll probably be three rounds behind [on the scorecards] before the fight starts.
“I’m going into his backyard, but that’s something I’ve done throughout my amateur career.
“I’ve fought in other countries and executed as a pro. It’s the same thing, just a different level.”
Ruston, 28, has won all nine of his bouts by knockout, presenting a significant challenge for Simmons.
“He was an Olympic prospect, a national finalist – it’s going to be a banger,” said Simmons, who trains at Bone Breaker Gym in Morganton, North Carolina.
“That’s what I’m in the game for – to feed my family and to take risks.
“I’m not looking too far ahead – I need to take care of this, but we know the phone could be blowing up after this.
“This has been the blueprint since the beginning.”
Simmons was born in Massachusetts and raised in Somerset, Bermuda, but spent part of his youth in Asheville.
He turned professional in 2023 after a successful amateur career and has won all nine of his professional bouts by knockout.
