Police Boxing team set for Peel Tournament in Canada
IslandStats.com
A delegation from the Bermuda Police Boxing Association is finalizing preparations ahead of their departure to Canada on 31 August 2026 to compete in the Peel Regional Police Boxing Event.
The team features a strong mix of emerging and seasoned fighters supported by an experienced coaching and management staff, representing Bermuda's police and amateur boxing fraternity on the international stage.
Strong fight squad named for Ontario trip
The boxing roster travelling to Canada includes:
Khalid Pitcher Shane Granville Vincent Dunigan Elijah Richardson Aynesha Akbar Krista Dyer Tyler Kendall
Among the squad, Pitcher, Richardson, Akbar, Dyer, and Kendall head into the tournament fully sanctioned with active Bermuda Boxing Federation memberships and registered boxing books.
Experienced delegation oversees preparations
The touring party will be overseen by a comprehensive management and coaching unit led by Superintendent Arthur Glasford and Chief Inspector Smith, alongside Michael Butcher, Melissa Butler, Aaron Dyer, Garon Wilkinson, and Freeman Smith.
Chief Inspector Smith is putting the final touches on the team's official itinerary, which will outline full competition schedules alongside cultural and training activities during the stay in Ontario.
With final travel documentation and electronic travel authorizations confirmed, the delegation will hold a final team meeting in the coming days before flying out on Monday.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
Simmons Suffers First Career Defeat with Stoppage in Australia
Bermudian light-heavyweight Saundre "Dash" Simmons saw his undefeated professional streak come to an abrupt end on Wednesday after suffering a first-round stoppage defeat against Australian prospect Kirra Ruston on the Gold Coast.
The high-stakes clash at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Broadbeach, Queensland, was contested for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific Light Heavyweight title on the undercard of the Nikita Tszyu vs Ben Mahoney bill.
Ruston strikes early to claim regional title
Entering the bout with an unblemished 9-0 record and nine knockouts, Simmons faced a formidable test against the hard-hitting local favourite, who also carried an identical 9-0 knockout record into the ring.
Ruston wasted no time asserting his authority on home soil, landing decisive blows early in the opening exchange. The Australian overwhelmed Simmons with rapid firepower, forcing the referee to halt the contest inside the first round to claim the IBF Pan Pacific strap and extend his perfect record to 10-0.
Rebuilding after first professional setback
The defeat marks the first blemish on the 29-year-old Somerset fighter's professional ledger following an otherwise dominant rise through the light-heavyweight ranks across North America and Bermuda.
While Simmons will look to regroup following his first career loss, the victory cements Ruston's reputation as one of Oceania's most dangerous rising contenders in the division.
Monday, August 24, 2026
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.
