Junior welterweight Stephanie Simon is ready to start a new chapter in her boxing career as she returns to Atlanta for her professional debut on September 27 at Trilith Studios Town Stage in Fayetteville, Georgia.
Simon’s four-round bout will be part of the all-women’s undercard for the event headlined by Alycia Baumgardner and Delfine Persoon, with Baumbardner’s undisputed super featherweight title at stake.
This fight holds special significance for Simon, who will be revisiting her roots in Atlanta for the first time since 2002. “It’s kind of a weird feeling,” Simon said. “I grew up in Roswell, and then I moved away to Washington State from seven to 17. I’ve spent a lot of time on the East Coast, but nothing really brought me back to Atlanta until now.” She plans to visit her childhood home with her mother during fight week. “I still remember the address, and I think my mom will be at the fight too, so maybe we can just visit it together.”
Simon shared a touching story from her childhood, revealing how her father recognized her potential early on. “When I was three years old, my dad told me this story about our house in Atlanta,” Simon said. “He said that one day, I took off running as fast as I could, and he looked over at my mom and said, ‘She’s going to be something special. The whole world’s going to know that girl.’ My mom looked at him like, ‘Sure, that’s what everyone says about their kid.’ But I guess there was something about the way I moved at such a young age that made him believe in me.” Now 30, Simon reflects on her father’s early prediction with pride and gratitude, as she makes her pro debut mere miles away from where that statement was made.
[use image: Stephanie-Simon-as-a-child here]
In preparation for her debut, Simon has been sparring with WBO welterweight titleholder Sandy Ryan in Santa Monica, who is also preparing for a fight against Mikaela Mayer the same day. Simon praised Ryan for her work ethic and dedication. “Sandy is one of the hardest-working fighters I’ve ever been around,” Simon said. “She trains in extreme conditions, and her commitment has been inspiring. Her humble attitude and impressive achievements, like her extensive amateur career, have motivated me to push myself further.”
Simon also admitted that the transition from amateur to professional boxing has been challenging. “I had some anxiety about fighting as a pro for the first time, especially after a nine-month break,” Simon said. “Working with top-level fighters and learning from them has boosted my confidence. I’m more comfortable with the techniques and strategies needed for professional boxing, and the anxiety I felt before has diminished.”
Simon might have sparred a titleholder and battled anxious thoughts, but now returns to the origin of so many of her good memories.
“I still have these vivid memories of just being around the neighborhood and riding bikes and just being crazy little kids,” Simon said with a smile. “I’m excited to go back home.”
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