Saundre “Dash” Simmons has vowed to make the most of a golden opportunity when he faces Australia’s Kirra Ruston for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific light-heavyweight title on Australia’s Gold Coast on Wednesday.

Both fighters come with impressive professional records of 9-0, with all their wins coming via knockouts, setting the stage for an exciting contest. It will also be a first fight outside North America for Simmons, with his previous bouts taking place in the United States, Bermuda and Mexico.

Winning an IBF belt could present massive opportunities for the powerful fighter and the chance to challenge for world titles.

“No Limit Boxing, thank you for this opportunity,” Simmons said.

“I plan to take it to the fullest. To my people back home, you all know I’m right where I want to be.”

Simmons and Ruston will be part of a packed card of 11 fights under No Limit Promotions at Boxing Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre. The main act features the undefeated Australian duo of Nikita Tszyu and Ben Mahoney, who face off in the IBF super-welterweight world title eliminator.

At the weigh-in on Tuesday, Simmons and Ruston flexed their muscles and showed plenty of enthusiasm ahead of fight night. Both made weight, with the Bermudian coming in at 79.09kg and the Australian 79.26kg.

Simmons appeared calm about facing Ruston, whose amateur pedigree included representing Australia at the 2020 Asia and Oceania Olympic Qualifier as well as the 2023 IBA World Championships.

“I rival him and it’s a step-up fight for me,” he said.

“It’s a different fight for him because I don’t think he’s been in there with anyone who wants to be in there with him as much as me.”

Promoter George Rose described Simmons as a confident boxer and backed the North-Carolina based Bermudian to put on a show against the Australian champion.

“Kirra has got an American opponent, a guy who’s confident coming out here,” Rose said.

“Big, tough opponent but what Kirra has been doing getting into the ring is so exciting. It’s a great match-up for them because they’re both at the stage of their careers where they’re looking to move on to that next level.

“He’s travelled all the way here to fight Kirran and put on a show. That’s how confident he is and both have so many knockouts that I think it’s a fight that we need to tune in for.”

Simmons has not fought since last October when he secured a technical knockout victory against Juan Andres Alaniz Diaz. In June, the 29-year-old’s scheduled fight against Cleotis “Mookie” Pendarvis was called off after his opponent failed show up in North Carolina.

Prior to stepping into the ring, Simmons expressed his appreciation to GelSoft Bermuda, FirstLight Home Care, Self Made Maintenance and All Mechanical & Construction.

“Before this next fight, I want to take a moment to specifically thank my four main sponsors,” he said.

“These aren’t just companies to me. These are people I’ve known, worked with, helped, laughed with and built real relationships with over the years.

“They’ve become family and they continue to show up for me fight after fight. Without them, my sponsors and the relationships I’ve been blessed to build along this journey, none of this would be possible.

“I’m beyond grateful for every dollar, every conversation, every opportunity and every time you’ve believed in me.

“What makes it even more special is that I genuinely respect these companies and the people behind them.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working for or alongside them and even when the day comes that I don’t need sponsorship any more, these are companies I’d still be proud to have on my trunks.

“There’s real history and sentimental value behind this support and I’ll never take it for granted. Thank you for believing in Dash, we’re taking this one all the way to Australia.”