Simmo the Doorman makes his pro debut on Saturday

Some years ago I was Scottish team manager at the annual “Boxam” tournament in Almeria in Spain with the then national coach Dr John Mackay. This annual tournament boxed over the various regions of Spain still has a certain cachet despite the fact that the Spanish as a nation don’t go head over heels for boxing.

The international flavour of the event was enhanced by Mexico’s participation as well as that of the Eastern European countries such as Bulgaria, Romania and Korea with Australia from the Asia Pacific rim.

The Scottish team at that time had established boxers such as Craig McEwan and Kenny Anderson in their ranks and a shy, somewhat gauche young 17 year old, called Stephen Simmons on his first trip out of his native Scotland. How the years have changed both the fortunes and outlook of that team.

Most have turned to the professional ranks and are making good progress in their respective weight categories, but for me the most pleasing aspect is the transformation of the shy, slightly awkward Edinburgh boy, Stephen Simmons. No more the gauche young man who looked in awe at everything he was experiencing, we now have (with a lot of help from Team GB and participation at the highest levels of amateur boxing) an inwardly confident, cruiserweight who is going to change codes from the vest and head guard brigade to the paid ranks.

The “Doorman” in Edinburgh has finally changed his code and I wish him every success on his debut in Glasgow on Saturday against Nick Okoth.