Boxing: Simmons sheds weight to prosper

SLIMLINE Scot Stephen Simmons is convinced his decision to shed ten kilos and seek to forge a new career in the light-heavyweight division will lead him all the way to the podium at the 2012 Olympics in London.

The Leith amateur is considered one of Britain's top heavyweights without quite making a breakthrough at a major Games – leading to his decision to switch focus for the Olympic build-up. He will make his major debut in the 81kg category at next month's notoriously tough European Championships in Moscow, where the Scot will line up alongside his English rival Obed Mbwakongo.

Simmons said: "I've been a heavyweight for eight years and the last time I was this light I was 15. I've always walked around under the weight and eating anything I wanted. The coaches suggested I give it a bash. It's given me a new vision on things and I've had to be a lot more disciplined. I am going to be able to make the weight pretty sensibly and I still feel just as strong and fast as I did before."

Simmons is one of 12 podium squad boxers picked for the Europeans by head coach Robert McCracken and his team. The fully-funded programme means Simmons faces the long commute between his home and Sheffield twice a week.

Simmons said: "It's a long journey but it's nothing when you consider what's at the end of it. London is going to be massive and it's amazing just to imagine what it would be like to stand on that podium. Having a long-term goal like that really gives you a hunger and a fire in your belly. But before then I see no reason why I can't go and medal at the Europeans."