Stephen Simmons targets historic British title victory over Matty Askin
Tuesday 13 March 2018 11:37, UK
Stephen Simmons says that becoming the first Scotsman to win the British cruiserweight title will be extra special if he beats defending champion Matty Askin on English soil.
Edinburgh's Simmons is preparing to take on Barnsley man Askin at York Hall this Saturday, and revealed patriotic rivalry is providing extra inspiration ahead of his bid to lift the Lonsdale belt.
"Becoming the first Scotsman to win the British cruiserweight crown would be great," said Simmons. "The historical aspect means a lot to me.
Being a Scotsman, there's nothing better than beating an Englishman and to do so down there in his own back yard is even more special.
"Being a Scotsman, there's nothing better than beating an Englishman and to do so down there in his own back yard is even more special.
"It should be a mad atmosphere. I've got lots of people coming down with their flags and put it this way - they'll be making themselves heard."
In 2016, Simmons was controversially denied a step up to world level when Noel Gevor was awarded a highly-debatable split decision in Germany.
Reflecting on those frustrations, Simmons added: "I believe I was robbed, so did most of the people in the place that night and all the people I've spoken to who saw the fight on television."
