Boxing: Moscow woe for Simmons

LEITH VICTORIA boxer Steve Simmons' has spoken of his disappointment after his gamble of going down to lightheavyweight from heavyweight in the European championships in Moscow failed to pay off, writes BRIAN DONALD.

The Capital boxer lost by 9-5 to Greek-born Russian opponent, Ioannis Militopoulos.

"The score at the end of the first round was 3-3 but Militopoulos decked me in the second and then frustrated me thereafter by refusing to mix it,'' said Simmons.

Scottish coach Lawrie Redfearn, ringside in Moscow on Saturday, commented: "I wish that Simmons would go back to heavyweight as I've seen him box much better as a heavyweight in previous internationals than he did as a lightheavy in these European championships.''