The 24-year-old took time out of his busy training schedule at Sheffield with the Great Britain team, where he is preparing for the World Championships in seven weeks time and the Commonwealth Games next year, to speak at Hawick Boxing Club's second annual dinner.

And it was another top-notch performance from Simmons, who is also a Four Nations champion and has represented his country more than 60 times at youth and senior level, winning five gold, five silver and five bronze medals.

After giving the large audience in the Lodge 111 an insight into his career and his rigorous schedule, which includes training four times a day from Sunday to Thursday, he said: "I'm a professional athlete and I have to act like one. You need to stick in. You'll get there in the end but you've got to put the work in. Get up in the morning and do your road work because that's important. It gets to your heart and lungs so you can take it when you're in the trenches, that's what gets you through.

"If you've got the heart you'll get there. You just need to stick in, do the training and be there every day."

It may only be the second time this popular dinner has been held, but the committee, led by club president Eddie Brogan who was chairman for the evening, have already developed a winning formula.

And they got off to the best possible start, with a sumptuous meal provided by Brydon's.

By the time the plates were cleared, the banter was in full swing, with old friendships renewed and boxing tales from days gone by given a full airing.

Mr Brogan revealed that there were now almost 45 individuals taking part in regular training at the gyms in Burnfoot and thinkfitness. He congratulated his committee for their hard work and gave special mention to Hawick Waverley and local businessman Grant Caswell who have both helped provide sponsorship with generous donations over the last 12 months.

And he admitted they all had high hopes for the future. He said: "Granted the standard of boxing isn't as high as it was many years ago, it is, however, improving in Hawick and if some of our younger members can dedicate themselves to the sport, then we as a club can add to the internationalists and champions that we've had over the last 50 years."

Dedication was also the theme of Burnfoot head coach Billy Clamp, who was asked to give an update on the continued success of the gym, which has only been in operation for a year.

He added: "It's no good training just once a week or twice a week and then leaving it for a month or so. They need to put the work in and they need to show dedication. Without that they'll not get anywhere and without that there's no boxing club in Hawick.

"We've had great champions come out of Hawick and hopefully Burnfoot, along with thinkfitness will be able to keep that tradition going."

Given the array of young talent that stepped up to receive annual awards in the respective categories, that tradition appears to be in safe hands.

Among the selection of silverware was the inaugural presentation of the Fighting Finnie Award, presented by David Finnie in memory of his father Dave and uncle Frank Finnie, who were both Hawick boxing stalwarts.

Given for dedication to the club there was one man who Mr Brogan said was "head and shoulders above the rest" and that was John Sharkey.
Another special mention went to Jock Thorburn, who has been named honorary president of the Eastern District Boxing Association.

Already the gathering had enjoyed the very best in entertainment from David Finnie, Drew Gibb and John Tait, but they were in for a further treat as Eric Stevenson, from Newtongrange, was invited to toast the guests.

And he had everyone in fits of laughter with his hilarious brand of humour that was the perfect end to another perfect night.

John Sharkey brought things to a close with the vote of thanks and as everyone made their way home full of good cheer it signalled another victory for Hawick Boxing Club.