Edinburgh fighter Stephen Simmons confirms retirement from boxing

Stephen Simmons retires with a professional record of 18 wins and three losses

The 33-year-old had revealed his intentions to hang up his gloves after his British cruiserweight title duel with Matty Askin last month – a fight he lost – citing a desire to spend more time with his family.

And now Simmons, who won Commonwealths Games bronze as an amateur in 2010, has been true to his word.

His highlight as a professional came when he was crowned IBF European champion at Meadowbank last October. Simmons ends his career with 18 wins and three defeats.

“It’s time to enjoy spending more time with my wife (Nicole) and baby (Ethan). I’m happy and content with retiring at this stage of my career.” he said.

“I’ve done a lot in boxing and am thankful for all it’s given me. I’ve been boxing almost 22 years and my body can’t take the same strain and pressure as it used to. I’ve been around the world and made many friends in boxing and other sports.

“I’d like to give thanks to everyone who sponsored me during my career and my management at MTK Global, all the coaches I worked with and especially my amateur coach and uncle, Kenny Simmons, and professional coach, Billy Nelson.

“I’d also like to thank my family, friends and fans who’ve given me such great support since I was a kid. I had 115 amateur fights and 21 as a pro.

“I’m retiring with a defeat to Matty but I’m still retiring a champion.”