Boxing: Simmons to weigh in on Vics' show

Published on Wednesday 2 December 2009 08:40

RINGSIDE fans at Leith Victoria's annual Christmas boxing show in the Edinburgh Masonic club on Sunday have been handed an unexpected Yuletide bonus in the shape of Steve Simmons, writes BRIAN DONALD.

The heavyweight star will top the bill in a head-to-head clash with outstanding Swedish heavyweight Erik Skoglund.

Port Glasgow club boss Kenny Crichton, who used his extensive Swedish boxing links to make Sunday's bout possible confirmed: "Erik is only 19 but he is a veteran of around 100 amateur fights and he has beaten my Scottish champion James Quigley.

"He is more than just an opponent for Simmons."

Meanwhile, Simmons-still buzzing from his recent victories in the US and London over America's top heavyweight amateurs said: "I've seen Skoglund on our British boxing team DVD database in Sheffield. He is certainly useful and durable but my aim will be to make him my ninth and final win out of the 11 fights that I've had this year."

Sunday's ten-bout bill will bristle with other top ring contests.

The pick of them sees Lochend's southpaw lightweight ace, Josh Taylor pitted against English champion, Richie Boyle from north-east English outfit Birtley.

Leith Victoria club official Douglas Fraser explained: "The show is a sell out so admission on the door will not be possible.''