THE WBO LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WORLD
RICKY BURNS v PAULUS MOSES
SATURDAY 10th MARCH, 2012
BRAEHEAD ARENA, GLASGOW
***LIVE ON BOXNATION (SKY CH. 456/VIRGIN CH. 546)***
Name: Stephen Simmons
Record: 3-0-0 (1)
Weight: Cruiserweight
Born: Edinburgh
Age: 27
Family background: I’m number two of four; two boys, two girls. My brother tried the boxing but found it too hard. I think I get it from my uncle Kenny who used to box for Scotland at middleweight. I’ve a five year old son Stephen and I live in Edinburgh with my fiancé Nicole
Trade: I’ve been a full time pro for 12 months and for three years before that I was full time on the GB amateur set-up in Sheffield. At weekends, I do the doors in Edinburgh for a wee bit of extra money till I get a title but I hate it….the abuse you get!
Nickname: It says: ‘Super Steve’ on my shorts but my mates all call me ‘Simbo’
What age did you become interested in boxing and why? I was 12. I was a big lad for my age and always fighting at school or on the street. People tried it on but soon got a fright when I hit ‘em! Once the police started knocking our door my mum decided to get me into the sport. After a few months training, I had my first fight and absolutely loved it.
My mother or my uncle would get regular reports back from the school and, whenever I was ‘bad’, they’d ban me from the gym for a few weeks which really annoyed me. It definitely worked and the boxing helped to get me through high school and pass all my exams.
What do you recall of your amateur career? I started and finished my career at the Leith Victoria amateur boxing club, coached by my uncle Kenny. I was there 14 years, starting as a nine stone 12 year old. I had about 115 bouts and won roughly 80. I never won any Scottish junior titles because there was never anyone else my weight but won three or four Scottish senior (ABA) titles. Several years I didn’t bother as there was no one to fight me so I’d go away on international duty instead.
I’d say at least 80 of my fights were internationals. I went to three European Senior competitions, getting to the quarter finals in Liverpool in 2008, and two World Seniors, making the last 16 in Chicago and Milan. I won the 2006 Four Nations, got five international gold medals, four silvers and 13 bronze. However, I’d say the highlight was competing at two Commonwealth Games tournaments in Melbourne (2006) and Delhi (2010). I loved being in a mixed sport environment, socialising with other athletes from the rougher sports like rugby, basketball and weightlifting.
Another highlight was defeating the Cuban Osmai Acosta Duarte at a multi-nations in Bulgaria, five months before he won the bronze medal at the Beijing Olympics.
Although the travelling to Sheffield was a pain, being part of the GB set up was a great experience, especially after Kelvin Travis, then Richie Woodhall and Rob McCracken, got involved. My biggest rivals there, Danny Price and Tony Bellew, both beat me but I captained a GB squad on a tour to America that beat the US three times in three different States.
Why did you decide to turn pro when you did? I always intended waiting till after the India Commonwealth Games. I won a bronze so my stock was high and I thought why wait another two years for the Olympics when there was no guarantee I’d qualify?
Tell us about your back up team: I’m promoted by Frank Warren, who puts on the best shows, has the best fighters and gets the most title shots. He also made me the best offer and seemed a genuine guy who I could trust. He’s looked after me well so far.
I managed and trained by Billy Nelson who I worked with for a couple of years when I was amateur so we had a connection. I knew he had an established pro stable that had produced British, Commonwealth and world champions. He thinks similarly to my uncle and I trust Billy 100%. My uncle is still involved in my conditioning. Billy oversees the boxing stuff and my circuits.
I most enjoy sparring and pads, that’s where I most learn my trade. I least like hitting the bags. If you’re on too long, you take your eye off the ball, pick up bad habits.
What’s your training schedule? Which parts do you most and least enjoy? I do weights three mornings a week and go to Billy’s boxing gym in Stepps (Glasgow) five afternoons a week (Monday to Friday). I arrive at noon, then probably shadow box for 12-15 minutes, then do 10-12 rounds of punches; sparring if there’s someone there or bags and pads. I’ll do a 30minute circuit, a 20 minute skip , then some conditioning. I leave around 2.15 and go for a 30-50 minute run every evening.
Describe your style? What are your best qualities? I’m a box-fighter that likes to go forward and work off my jab; a lot compliment that. I can go back foot if I need but prefer to be in control. I’m not a one shot banger but I’ve the strength and power to wear opponents down until they can’t cope.
What specifically do you need to work on to fully optimise your potential as a fighter? My punch ratio. Throwing more to the body and in combinations. Sometimes I work too much on the jab and need to improve my second and third phase, keeping on top of them.
What have you found to be the biggest difference between the pro and amateur codes? The pros is slower and you get to think more. Amateur boxing was always a bit of a rush – you had to get off the mark quick and score points – but, though I had a pro style, I needed to serve that amateur apprenticeship, learn my trade there.
Who is the best opponent that you’ve shared a ring with? Probably the Russian Egor Mekhontsev who beat me in the quarter finals of the 2008 European Seniors in Liverpool. He had great technique, terrific hand speed and footwork. It was a privilege to share a ring with him. Whenever we met after, he always shook my hand and told me I gave him a hard fight. He’s since dropped to light-heavy and qualified for London 2012.
All time favourite fighter: Mike Tyson. An animal!
All time favourite fight: The Gatti-Ward fights.
Which current match would you most like to see made? Pacquiao and Mayweather. I’d like Pacquiao to win. He’s a great technical fighter who’s been in some wars but it’s 50-50.
What is your routine on fight day? I’ll be up around 9a.m and eat two big bowls of porridge then go for a walk with my iPod in and try to chill. After, I like to be about people, have a laugh to take my mind off the fight. I can get quite nervous, whoever I’m fighting, but that’s good. At the arena, if I can, I like to go inside the ring and get a feel for it. In the changing room, I do the pads for about 20 minutes and try to get focussed. I’m usually quite calm.
Entrance music: ‘Levels’ by Avicii
What are your ambitions as a boxer? I’d like to be British cruiserweight champion by the end of this year then win all the other titles on route to a world championship. I’m in no rush, mind. I’ve another 10 years left in the game. I don’t like to shout out other fighters but I believe I could beat (British champion) Shane McPhilbin now. That’s how much self belief I have.
How do you relax? If I have any spare time which is rare, I go the cinema or for a meal with Nicole or a game of snooker with friends.
Football team: Probably Rangers but I prefer the English Premiership. I like Man U.
Read: I hate reading. Boxing News, sometimes.
Music: Dance music….I’m the world’s worst dancer, mind. I just like to nod my head!
Films/TV: I love scary films plus comedy and action. I’m also partial to the odd ‘Chick Flick’! On TV, I like Corrie and Eastenders. I got dragged in by the missus and became hooked!
Aspiration in life: After winning a world title, to open up my own boxing and fitness gym to help out others.
Motto: Hakuna Matata (Don’t worry!) from The Lion King.
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