Simmons misses Olympics by 14 seconds by Tom Walker Oct 31st 2007

Scotland's Steve Simmons was just 14 seconds away from qualification for the 2008 Olympics when he was dramatically stopped by tough Montenegrin Milorad Gajovic. Simmons (Leith Vic AAC, Edinburgh), moved and picked punches to establish a lead at the end of the first 3:2 and more of the same in the second had the Scot 8:6 up at the end of the second. But, the powerhouse that is Gajovic was ever-threatening and always dangerous, with Simmons approaching a winning lead at the end of the third round a massive right hand buckled the Scot's knees leaving him stranded on the middle rope. A standing eight count and Steve's bravery enabled him to finish the round 16:11 ahead. Lesser men would not have been able to carry on from the shot Steve had shipped in the third. Simmons came out with his normal purpose and determination despite the fact he was still affected by the wallop he took in the third round. He managed to stay in the lead but again got caught after a minute and twenty seconds of the last round. Again the Scot was not subdued. It looked as though his courage and determination was going to be rewarded with a win. However, two more big shots from Gajovic and another standing eight count left the referee with little choice but to stop the contest at 1:46 of the final round. Simmons could only say he was "gutted", whilst GB Head Coach Terry Edwards said, “Heartbreak. Really feel for the kid. Not a lot you can say. Fourteen seconds from the last 8. I guess that's boxing.” Tuesday 30th 54kg Joe Murray (ENG) bt Bruno Julie (MRI) 26:19 64kg Bradley Saunders (ENG) bt Javier Molina (USA) 24:12 91kg Stephen Simmons (SCO) lost to Milorad Gajovic (MNE) RSCI 4   Wednesday 31st 60kg Frankie Gavin (ENG) v Ramal Amanov (AZE) 81kg Tony Jeffries (ENG) v Ramazan Magomedov (BLR) +91kg David Price (ENG) v Primislav Dimovski (MKD) Thursday 1st 54kg Joe Murray (ENG) v Yu Gu (CHN) 64kg Bradley Saunders (ENG) v Alexis Vastine (FRA)

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