Saundre “Dash” Simmons and his opponent Ian “Impact” Darby have promised to set the stage alight when they step into the ring for their light-heavyweight bout tonight.

The weigh-in for the fight took place at TN Tatem Middle School yesterday, a little more than 24 hours before the duo are scheduled to be the main attraction during Epic Entertainment’s Fight Night Champion, at Victualling Yard, Dockyard.

Simmons, who is seeking to preserve his impeccable record (7-0), is confident ahead of what could be his biggest challenge of his career. The Bermudian made weight at 175.6lb.

“I’m ready to put on some fireworks,” the 28-year-old told The Royal Gazette.

“I’m feeling good, we had a good camp and it was good preparation. We had good sparring and the weight has gone good so I’m ready to rock and roll.

“I’m coming in at my actual weight for this fight. I was able to go full throttle in camp, the weight feels good and my energy feels great.”

Despite being inactive on the professional scene since October 2023, the Jamaican, who missed weight at 179.2lb, is delighted to put his record (6-2-0) to the test.

“I’m feeling elated,” Darby said. “I can’t wait to go into the ring to show Bermuda and the world that the Impact always provides excitement and gives the world what it needs, which is awesome boxing.

“It’s been three years not in the ring but I'm a coach-boxer. We have a military team, the Jamaica Defence Forces boxing, so we keep in shape at all times, just for the knock at the door for any fight.”

Simmons, who is based in North Carolina, has left the scouting of his opponent to his coach, Jesse Becerra.

“We do have a game plan, though, but I’ll leave that to my coach,’’ he said. “For me it’s the same thing, no matter who’s in front of me.”

While a return to Somerset, a place where he grew up, still gives the boxer goosebumps, he wants to be more settled on this occasion.

“The ice is broken so I get to be me,” he said.

“I did have a fight in between my last fight in North Carolina. I was able to stay active and the fans get to see a better me this time around.

“I still have nerves as that comes with the sport. If you've got a fire in you, it’s either you’re going to burn down the house or you’re going to use it for fuel.”

In his debut fight in Bermuda on February 15, Simmons stopped American Patrick Pierre with a first-round knockout. On May 17, the Bermudian knocked out Tahlik Taylor.

“I can’t promise that the fight will last longer,” the 6ft 4in fighter said.

“All I can promise is that I’m going to come with fireworks. The rest, we’ll leave it to my opponent. If it goes all six rounds, I’m in shape and ready for it.”

On Wednesday, Simmons and Becerra mingled with the crowd during Harbour Nights and he used that as an opportunity to promote his fight while immersing himself in Bermudian culture.

“We had a good time meeting with the fans,” he added.

“We gave out some flyers. Some people recognised me so I was able to do a little bit of advertising over there and I can genuinely say people are excited for this fight.

“It was good to see the Gombeys, too. I haven’t seen the Gombeys in a couple of years. I also introduced my Bermudian culture to my coach and it’s a blessing to be able to bring him over here to where I grew up.”

Darby makes a return to Bermuda after defeating Sonny Coates, of the Royal Air Force, in October 2017.

“This is not my first time in Bermuda. I came here before and fought a guy from the Royal Air Force,” the 36-year-old said.

“That’s motivating for me and giving me that strength. It’s bigger this time around coming in a professional league to show that I want to be a world champion.”

The Jamaican is not worried by his opponent’s record and is counting on his military training to carry him through.

“I’m not intimidated because in the army we say ‘we train hard and fight easy’,” he said.

“I’m coming out Saturday to show that no matter what you have in front of you, the Impact is always going to be the last one standing.”

• Video by Nkenge Boyles