Boxing: Simmons full of confidence for world bid

Published on Wednesday 2 September 2009 09:43

LEITH Victoria's Scottish heavyweight boxing champion Steve Simmons was upbeat about his chances against his World Amateur Championships first-round opponent, East African champion Elly Ajowi from Kenya, in Milan tomorrow.

Simmons explained: "Ajowi comes with a reputation of being tough and fast but he's also quite tall so I'll be looking to use hooks to the body a lot against him, but, having said that, African boxers are usually tough and durable."

Great Britain team coach Kelvyn Travis was also positive about Simmons' prospects in Milan saying: "At this level there are no easy fights, but Simmons has improved beyond all recognition since I took over his training programme eight months ago.

"Back then, Simmons was stiff and had poker-like rigidity in his ring movements but now I've got him moving more fluidly and relying more on his strength and punch power.

"Simmons was trying to be a classical left-jabbing boxer and it wasn't really working for him.

"I had him sparring yesterday with the Cuban who is one of the top amateur heavyweights in the world and he looked good. The only disappointing thing is that I've been unable to get any video footage of his Kenyan opponent but I'm still optimistic that he can win.

"Simmons has the heart and the skills to give any top heavyweight a good scrap."