Simmons to turn pro after Olympic miss

Published on Tuesday 13 May 2008 10:52

LEITH VICTORIA heavyweight Steve Simmons has confirmed he will turn professional later this year.

Simmons, who just missed out on winning a place in the Great Britain team for this summer's Olympics in Beijing, made his decision following career talks with his advisor, former Leith Vics ace Bill Sutherley.

Confirmed Sutherley: "I had a chat with Simmons about his future and told him bluntly that, as he is aged 23 he must turn pro now before it is too late so that he can make real money for his family."

Simmons said: "I have already had preliminary talks with a leading boxing promoter about joining his stable but I am keeping my options open.

"I'm 23 with a young family and, to be honest, both Scotland and Britain isn't exactly overflowing with good heavyweight boxers so I could have a good future as a professional.

"I will have my last amateur fight on a special bill that Leith Victoria matchmaker, Douglas Fraser has promised he will arrange for me to take place in Edinburgh in June against a very good quality international opponent, then apply for my pro boxing licence."

Simmons has been awarded the very first Eric Bell memorial trophy for the boxer who has done most to advance the Leith Victoria club's reputation in 2007-08.

Meanwhile, former Clovenstone Scottish amateur middleweight champion Craig McEwan is returning to Edinburgh to finish off preparations for his next fight in Manchester on May 24 on the Ricky Hatton versus Juan Lazcano undercard.

Los Angeles-based McEwan is seeking an Edinburgh sponsor from among the business community.

He said: "I will increasingly divide my ring time between the UK and the USA from now on but local sponsorship would help me defray my training and travelling expenses between both places so if there is some business sponsor out there in Edinburgh I'd love to hear from them."