Undefeated Boxer Dash Simmons set for Title Showdown
Undefeated Bermudian light-heavyweight Saundre "Dash" Simmons is set to step into the ring in Australia on Wednesday, putting his perfect professional record on the line in a high-stakes clash against Australian prospect Kirra Ruston.
The bout, taking place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, sees two unbeaten fighters collide for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific Light Heavyweight title on the undercard of the Nikita Tszyu vs Ben Mahoney bill.
Simmons (9-0) enters the contest carrying substantial momentum and punching power, having stopped every opponent he has faced since turning professional.
The Somerset-raised 29-year-old faces arguably the stiffest test of his career to date against Ruston, who also boasts a flawless 9-0 record and enjoys home advantage.
The fight marks Simmons' first competitive appearance in the Oceania region following successful outings across North America and Bermuda.
A victory on Wednesday would not only secure the regional IBF strap but also propel the Bermudian puncher into international contention within the light-heavyweight division.
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Medal Winners Eligible For Incentives
The government congratulated Bermuda’s athletes for their performances at the 2026 CAC Games and Commonwealth Games, noting that the medal-winning athletes are eligible for a combined $23,500 in performance incentives.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Department of Sport and Recreation extends its congratulations to the athletes who participated in the 2026 Central American and Caribbean [CAC] Games and Commonwealth Games.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport Owen Darrell said, “Bermuda’s athletes continue to demonstrate the talent, determination and commitment that make our island proud. Supporting our athletes and investing in sport strengthens our communities, inspires our young people and creates opportunities for Bermudians to excel.”
A Government spokesperson added, “At the CAC Games in Santo Domingo, Adriana Penruddocke earned gold in the Women’s One-Person Dinghy; Jack Harvey earned silver in the Men’s 100m Backstroke and bronze in the Men’s 50m Backstroke; Sakari Famous earned bronze in the Women’s High Jump, Sebastian Kempe earned bronze in the Men’s One-Person Dinghy, and Tyler Smith earned bronze in the Men’s Triathlon. At the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Jessica Lewis earned bronze in the Women’s T53/T54 400m.
“Under the Government’s Outstanding Athletic Performance Incentive Programme, the medal-winning athletes are eligible for a combined $23,500 in performance incentives. Cheques will be presented to the athletes in the coming week.
“The Department of Sport and Recreation congratulates all of Bermuda’s athletes who competed at the Games and thanks them for representing the island with distinction.”
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Showdown to Devil’s Isle Fight Championship
Bermuda’s combat sports scene is set to enter historic territory later this month when the Devil’s Isle Fight Championship stages the island’s first fully sanctioned mixed martial arts event at the National Stadium.
Taking place on Saturday, 29 August at the venue’s North Field, DIFC 001 will see a custom hexagon cage erected to host an ambitious seven-bout card spanning mixed martial arts, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Sanctioned by the Bermuda Combat Sports Commission, the inaugural fight night features a lineup of local talent testing themselves against overseas opposition arriving from gyms in Philadelphia and Minnesota.
The initiative aims to provide home-grown fighters with high-calibre competition on domestic soil, eliminating the costly travel and logistical hurdles often required to secure bouts abroad.
The multi-discipline card will feature a series of intriguing match-ups across weight classes, including Jay Astwood squaring off against Che Durham at 165 pounds, Elvis Garcia meeting Lucas Morello at 130 pounds, and Flavio Mundy taking on Will Cuadrado at 165 pounds.
In the heavier divisions, Open Mat Bermuda's Jahmali Bridgewater will face Prestin Rust at 195 pounds, while gym-mate Ryan Hopkins clashes with Mac Kukowski at 190 pounds.
Friday, August 14, 2026
Roach Extends Unbeaten Record with First-Round Stoppage
Bermudian welterweight Adrian Roach maintained his perfect professional record with a dominant first-round stoppage victory over American Brandon Mendez in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Competing in a scheduled four-round contest at the Frank & Florence Williams Event Centre, the 24-year-old made light work of his opponent to register his third consecutive professional win.
Early Statement on US Soil
Roach took control from the opening bell, asserting his authority and finding his range immediately against the debutant.
The Bermudian's accuracy and power told early in the opening frame, sending Mendez to the canvas with a sharp combination. Although Mendez attempted to recover, the referee stepped in after deeming the American unable to continue, waving off the contest inside the first round.
Momentum Restored
The swift victory provides a welcome return to action for Roach, who had faced a frustrating spell of inactivity earlier in the year following successive fight cancellations in North Carolina and Texas.
With another clinical stoppage under his belt, Roach advances to 3-0 in the professional ranks as he continues to build momentum in the welterweight division.
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Government Recognizes Young Athletes and Coaches
On August 5, the Department of Sport and Recreation hosted the 2026 National Junior Athlete Sponsorship Programme (NJASP) Awards Ceremony, recognizing Bermuda's outstanding junior athletes and coaches while reaffirming the Government's commitment to developing the island's sporting talent.
Acting Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, Senator the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, said, "The National Junior Athlete Sponsorship Programme is an investment in Bermuda's future. These awards recognize the hard work, dedication and potential of our young athletes and coaches, while providing meaningful support to help them pursue excellence. We are proud to invest in the next generation of Bermudian sporting talent."
The NJASP provides financial assistance to promising athletes and coaches to support training, competition and development opportunities. This year's recipients are:
Individual Athlete Awards
Asher Wheddon (Bermuda Football Rugby Union) – $2,620 Surii Russell (Bermuda National Athletics Association) – $3,270 Geraldine Sidders (Bermuda Sanshou Association) – $2,845 Z'Naz Jones (Bermuda Motocross Association) – $3,210 Miguel Power (Bermuda Sailing Association) – $2,324 Marcus Rodrigues (Bermuda Volleyball Association) – $4,268 Isaac Davis (Bermuda Hockey Federation) – $3,435
Coaching Awards
Bermuda Cricket Board (Andre Coley) – $3,000 Bermuda Golf Association (Henry Brunton) – $3,500 Gymnastics Federation of Bermuda (PAGU Coach) – $3,000 Bermuda Triathlon Association (Michael Harlow) – $4,513 Pickleball Association of Bermuda (Armondo Ferreira) – $3,000 Bermuda Football Association (John Moreira) – $3,140 Bermuda Amateur Swimming Association (American Swimming Coaches Association) – $4,250 Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Association (Billy Dunn) – $1,500
The 2026 Flora Duffy Award, valued at $10,000, was presented to Nirobi Smith-Mills of the Bermuda National Athletics Association.
The Department of Sport and Recreation congratulates all recipients and wishes them continued success as they pursue their sporting goals and represent Bermuda with pride.
