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Even though he has tasted defeat just once in twenty seven professional bouts, Tarvis Simms’ career has not gone as planned.
In 2005 when he was a perfect 24-0, Simms entered the hometown of title contender Robert Frazier for what looked to be a step in the right direction.
After ten rounds of stifling the local favorite, silencing his adoring fans in the process, the bout was surprisingly ruled a draw. The official scorecards left Simms both shocked and disgusted, but what happened next was simply unimaginable.
Although he was world rated and seemingly on the cusp of landing a match up with an elite middleweight, the Norwalk, CT native found himself on the shelf for an extended period of time. Before he knew it, two and a half years of his blossoming career were gone.
“I was always in shape and ready to go”, Simms said in regards to the long layoff. “I was constantly in contact with different promoters across the nation to get on cards but nothing panned out.”
Simms resurfaced in 2007 and scored five consecutive victories during next two years, defeating the likes of former world champion Carl Daniels and spoiler Marcus Upshaw. After defeating Upshaw, Simms’ long awaited opportunity came, albeit when he least expected it.
Nine days before fight night, Simms got a call about facing top rated super middleweight Allan Green on the Showtime Network. Even though he returned to the gym 48 hours prior to the fight offer, he accepted the potential career defining opportunity.
As per the short notice, Simms struggled to make weight and still put forth a valiant effort come fight night, but it wasn’t enough. He ultimately dropped competitive a ten round decision and hasn’t fought since.
With his lone defeat now nine months behind him, the 39 year old southpaw is itching for what may very well be his final opportunity. As a skilled technician who has taken minimal punishment during his career, Simms is eager to show that he can outpoint any middle or super middleweight on the planet.
“I’m willing to fight any of these top guys, just give me fair notice and a reasonable offer”, exclaimed Simms. “I know Kelly Pavlik is on the comeback trail, so if he wants to get it on I’ll take the next plane to Youngstown. I am ready to prove to the world that age 39, I haven’t lost a step. All I need is an opportunity.”
