Edinburgh's Stephen Simmons delighted to be given British title shot

Edinburgh's Stephen Simmons will fight undefeated Welshman Craig Kennedy for the British cruiserweight title in Cardiff next month.

By The Newsroom

Published 23rd Feb 2017, 16:34 BST

Updated 1st Mar 2017, 08:23 BST

The 32-year-old has been given the opportunity after Matty Askin was forced to withdraw due to a hand injury. Simmons will now take his place at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff on Saturday, March 11 in a fight that will be broadcast live by Channel 5.

Simmons, a former Celtic and WBC International Silver champion, controversially lost out on a split decision to German Noel Gevor in a WBC International title bout in October, but is determined to win the Lonsdale Belt in just over a fortnight’s time.

“I’m delighted to get this opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming this British title shot. I’m expecting a hostile atmosphere but that won’t faze me and I’ll make sure the title comes back to Scotland with me.”